PEOPLE with chronic diseases are being given the chance to manage their conditions through problem solving techniques.Suffolk Coastal Primary Care Trust (PCT) is launching another Expert Patient Programme as part of an initiative aimed at improving the quality of life for people with a long-term illness.

PEOPLE with chronic diseases are being given the chance to manage their conditions through problem solving techniques.

Suffolk Coastal Primary Care Trust (PCT) is launching another Expert Patient Programme as part of an initiative aimed at improving the quality of life for people with a long-term illness.

The course is designed to give people with a chronic disease the extra skills needed to manage their condition.

Diet, nutrition and exercise are all involved in how to manage illnesses and also means of dealing with pain and fatigue are discussed.

Communicating with others and planning for the future will also be included in the programme.

The idea of the programme is to create stronger partnerships between doctor and patient enabling the patient to take over some of the management of their illness.

Ana Selby, chief executive of Suffolk Coastal PCT said: "The expert patient programme is designed to give people the confidence and knowledge to do all they personally can to successfully control their illness.

"It is all about equipping people with the right information and skills to live as normal a life as possible. This is an exciting new development, and one which will be of great benefit to people who are living with a chronic disease."

The new programme will be a series of six sessions delivered by trained leaders who have all had long-term illness.

The course is free, and is suitable for any Suffolk resident aged over 18 with a lifelong medical condition.

It starts in the Kyson Community Centre/Fred Reynolds Centre in Woodbridge on Wednesday 10th September.

For more information or to book a place call course tutor Mike Thomas on 01394 277337.