Expert patients will help manage chronic disease

Chronically ill patients will, under the latest NHS proposals, be encouraged and helped in managing their disease.

The suggestion comes in a new report from the chief medical officer, Professor Liam Donaldson. It recognises that chronically ill patients have knowledge and experience of their disease that could be used in planning care and making decisions.

A scheme will be piloted from 2001 to 2004 and then instituted throughout the NHS between 2004 and 2007. It will be backed by a £2m investment …