A VISIT to the doctor can also be a visit to the Citizens' Advice Bureau thanks to a new initiative launched in Darlington.

The Health Extra scheme will see Citizens' Advice Bureau workers based in GP surgeries across the town and in the primary care trust's King Street walk-in centre.

The £60,000 project hopes to help patients who have worries other than health - particularly financial matters.

The organisers of the scheme say that many people do not claim benefits - either because they see it as charity and are too proud, or they are unaware of their entitlement.

The advice worker will help to relieve the burden from health staff who have been tied up dealing with welfare rather than medical issues.

The scheme aims to reach patients who officials believe would not seek advice elsewhere, and elderly people who find the doctors' surgery more convenient.

Advice will be available on benefits, debts, housing, employment, family issues, community care and consumer matters.

Health Extra is being funded by regional development agency One NorthEast and also has backing from Darlington Borough Council.

From tomorrow, a case worker will be available at the walk-in medical centre at Dr Piper House, in King Street, and GP surgeries in Neasham Road, Denmark Street, Parkgate and Clifton Court.

Councillor Stephen Harker said: "The scheme provides a great opportunity for people to get good-quality legal advice and information on a wide range of subjects in a community setting. It will help people whose health is likely to be affected by low income."

Paul Davison, of the trust, said: "Many people don't take up the benefits they are entitled to and these same people visit their GP regularly. Health Extra is the ideal way to help them."