More than 60 patients with long-term conditions got together this week to pay tribute to a local NHS scheme which has helped improve their quality of life.

A reunion was held at the Kindle Centre on Thursday, July 21st, to celebrate the Expert Patient Programme, a national scheme, run locally by Wye Valley NHS Trust, which has helped more than 400 people in the last two years.

Sue Tobey, Expert Patients Programme Co-ordinator at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “We’re delighted to bring together many of our patients who have taken part in the six week free course, which empowers people with long term conditions to lead a better quality of life.

“This course really does help to transform many people’s lives by providing new practical ways of managing their condition, along with emotional support and meeting other people who share similar experiences of living with a long term condition”.

Jan Stevenson, Expert Patient Programme tutor, who firstly took part in the programme as a patient, said: “This is an incredibly practical and well-thought through programme of tips, information and techniques to help people develop the confidence that physical and mental health struggles are surmountable and there are ways we can lessen their impact on our daily lives.

“The programme and meeting other people in a similar situation also made me feel less isolated by my condition and I have met a new network of local people.”

Sue added: “We wish to thank everyone who has taken part in the programme, those who attended the reunion, and patients who have gone on to become Expert Patient Programme tutors generously volunteering their time to help transform the lives of other people”.

Anyone with a long term health condition, such as arthritis, diabetes, depression, multiple sclerosis, or any other condition that cannot be cured, can attend the six course of a two hour session each week, and/or apply to become a tutor. To find out more call Sue Tobey on 01432 364463 or email [email protected]