Bradford patients who have learnt to manage their long-term illnesses have been telling healthcare professionals about a pioneering self-care course which has helped transform their lives.

The Expert Patient Programme (EPP), a free six-week patient-led course, gives people confidence and the skills to cope day-to-day with the impact of conditions such as diabetes and arthritis.

All four Bradford Primary Care Trusts have run their own EPPs but came together for a showcase event at Bradford Royal Infirmary to raise awareness of the programme.

It presented an overview of national and local developments and gave patients the chance to talk about how the EPP has helped them.

The aim of the showcase was to highlight the benefits of EPPs to health professionals in Bradford who, in turn, can advise patients on the support available to help them.

Bradford Teaching Hospitals has run two disease specific programmes for people with heart disease and diabetes.

However, most of the 36 courses that have taken place in the Bradford area have brought together people with a variety of conditions.

Judith Lee, who spoke about her experience of the EPP, said: "I received fantastic medical care for my physical symptoms when I was diagnosed with arteritis.

"I felt tired, depressed and cheated that I wasn't getting any better and it wasn't until a practice nurse referred me to the EPP that these emotional symptoms were addressed."

Assistant director of commissioning at North Bradford PCT, Lesley Sterling-Baxter said: "Bradford Teaching Hospitals is seen as a trailblazer. As far as we are aware, it is the first acute hospital to have carried out a patient-led programme like EPP.

"The support patients receive from others on the course and the tutors - who themselves live with chronic conditions - gives them the confidence to manage their condition."

The Expert Patient Programme is a major part of the Long Term Conditions and Patient and Public Experience.

Patients can book onto a course in Bradford by phoning (01274) 366288.