A SERVICE giving patients physiotherapy advice over the telephone has been nominated for an award that recognises innovation in patient care.

The Physio Direct Service, run by Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust (PCT), has been shortlisted from 135 entries in a competition launched by Medipex, the NHS innovation centre for the Yorkshire and Humber region.

It aims to identify individuals and teams in the NHS who have an idea or invention that could be used in practice.

Physio Direct was originally launched as a pilot scheme last October for patients registered at the Mowbray House and Mayford House surgeries, in Northallerton.

It allows patients with musculoskeletal problems to receive physiotherapy advice over the phone, without first having to see their GP, reducing the delay to receive treatment.

The three members of the department nominated for the award, physiotherapy services manager Anne Alder, senior community physiotherapist Geoff Thrall and superintendent community physiotherapist Caroline Hodgson, will find out if they have been successful at a ceremony in Leeds next Thursday.

Simon Kirk, chief executive of the PCT, said: "To be shortlisted from 135 entries is a creditable achievement and our physiotherapy team are to be congratulated.

"The PCT's vision is to provide services that are safe, effective, efficient, high quality and based on local need. Physio Direct does just that, and is a good example of designing services around patients so they are easier to use.