Health workers in North Bradford are looking for patients with long-term medical conditions to volunteer to become expert patients.

People with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease or arthritis are being asked to take part in a programme which aims to improve their lives by helping them to become experts in their own condition.

The initiative is part of the Government's national Expert Patient Programme, which aims to help the 17.5m people who live with a long-term health condition.

North Bradford Primary Care Trust, which is responsible for the health of people living in the Shipley, Baildon, Cottingley, Eccleshill and Idle area, is looking for 20 volunteers to take part in its first expert patient programme.

"The focus is very much on getting your life back," said Lesley Sterling-Baxter, patient involvement manager for the PCT.

"The course will start on Thursday, November 7, and run for six weeks. Each week patients will come along to a two-and-a-half hour session between 10.30am and 1pm in Saltaire and refreshments and lunch will be provided.

"The idea is to give people the confidence to take the lead in managing their own condition, rather than just being recipients of care.

"The sessions will look at issues like how to recognise and act on symptoms, how to get the best out of medicine and other treatments, how to find out what health and social services are available and get access to them, and how to deal with things like working, stress and fatigue."

All those completing the six-week course will receive an expert patient certificate and there will be the possibility of further training to become an expert patient tutor and help others in a similar position.

For more information contact the PCT on (01274) 366284.