THE first patients who took a course to help them cope with long-term illness have received their awards.

A group of 22 people have completed the Expert Patient Programme in the Sedgefield borough.

The successful participants from two courses were presented with their awards by Michael Dalton, Mayor of Great Aycliffe Town Council, and Carolyn Siddle, the programme's senior trainer.

People living in Sedgefield who suffer from a long-term medical condition were offered the chance to take part in the Expert Patient Programme by Sedgefield Primary Care Trust and the Pioneering Care Partnership.

The programme is a national scheme which seeks to help people cope with pain from arthritis, asthma, back disorders, diabetes, heart conditions, multiple sclerosis and mental health issues.

The courses are designed to run in conjunction with medical treatments and includes advice on finding information, talking to doctors and coping with depression.

Newton Aycliffe resident and newly qualified expert patient Brian Wilson said: "The course helps you overcome obstacles which prevent you from enjoying life to the full.

"It has taught me new techniques to help me get the most out of my life."

The participants attended sessions which took place over six weeks, with each session lasting about two-and-a-half hours.

Plans are being made to start a third course in February, to be co-ordinated by newly qualified lay-tutors Michael White, Jim Brown and Brian Wilson.

Community health specialist Claire Kippin said: "I would like to congratulate all the participants on successfully completing the course and hope that they will continue to use the skills they have learned to be successful' self-managers."

For more information about the Expert Patient Programme, contact Ms Kippin on 0191-333 3382.