PATIENTS living with chronic illnesses in Mid Devon are being taught new skills to help in the fight for a fuller life. Mid Devon Primary Care Trust?s Expert Patient Programme (EPP) aims to improve the quality of life for the long-term sick. The six-week course has already had its success stories in Okehampton and Tiverton with scores of patients benefiting from practical tips about how to manage a range of medical conditions, The programme is being rolled out across the Mid Devon area later this year. A new Expert Patient Programme in Okehampton is due to begin on April 26, and will run from 2pm to 4.30pm at Okehampton Community Hospital. There is no waiting list for EPP at present and it is available free on the NHS. Carmel Fanconi, programme co-ordinator, said the service was designed with the aim of giving patients ?more power to their elbow?. She said: ?We all know the old adage that knowledge is power, and in dealing with chronic health conditions, this is particularly the case. ?The message we are keen to get to patients is that they no longer have to suffer in silence. ?While patients are probably already doing what they can to cope with the condition, these courses will really help them make the most of their life.? EPP is an innovative approach to the self-management of illness. It is designed to help patients living with all types of health conditions, including arthritis, diabetes and asthma. Helpful hints about diet, pain management and making better use of NHS services are all provided on the course. To find out more about the courses and to register for a free place phone Mid Devon Primary Care Trust on 0800 0730792.