A PILOT scheme giving patients direct access to physiotherapists has been so successful that it is being launched across Hambleton and Richmondshire.

Since October, patients in Northallerton have been able to call a dedicated phone number and speak to a physiotherapist without first needing to see their GP.

The scheme, called Physio Direct, has been such a success that it recently won second prize for innovative service delivery at an NHS awards ceremony.

From Monday, patients across the whole Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust area will also be able take advantage of the service, which is available to anyone over the age of 16 who is suffering from musculoskeletal problems and registered with a GP.

The dedicated phone line, (01609) 783388, is open from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Anyone calling will be given initial advice and assessment, and any follow-up physiotherapy needed can be arranged.

Caroline Hodgson, superintendent community physiotherapist, said: "We have installed a new call monitoring system to provide detailed information about the frequency and timing of calls.

"We would ask people calling Physio Direct to be patient until we can assess the service before making any alterations.

"For instance, if people are experiencing difficulties getting through on their first call, it might be a good idea to try again a bit later in the day.

"At the moment, it is difficult to predict how busy we will be, so we would ask patients to bear with us for the first couple of weeks. We aim to iron out any difficulties as quickly as possible."