THE first of a new type of non-medical hospital specialist has been appointed in the region.

Atle Karstad has become the North-East's first consultant physiotherapist.

His elevation to consultant status at the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust is part of a drive to improve the status, training and career opportunities for health professionals allied to medicine.

Traditionally, the title of consultant has been jealously guarded by the medical profession.

But with the Government keen to break down barriers within the NHS, Mr Karstad, from Hartlepool, is likely to be the forerunner of other non-medical hospital consultants in the North-East.

Health Secretary Dr John Reid wants to see 250 consultant physiotherapists in post by next year.

Mr Karstad, who is married to another physiotherapist at the Teesside trust, is only the sixth consultant physiotherapist to be appointed nationally and the first north of Manchester.

He will work at the University Hospitals of North Tees and Hartlepool in the areas of orthopaedics, rheumatology, accident and emergency and elderly care.

Mr Karstad, from Norway, will treat patients who have complex musculoskeletal conditions, such as low back pain.

One of his roles will be to work with GPs and the local Primary Care Trusts to simplify the referral and treatment of patients needing hospital services.

The aim is to ensure that patients be seen by the most appropriate person at the most appropriate time and to minimise patients' hospital stay.

Apart from his hospital work, Mr Karstad will have an important research role.

He will work with Teesside University to ensure that physiotherapists, occupational therapists and podiatrists make best use of the latest research.

Diane Swan, head of physiotherapy at the trust, said: "Allied health professionals are integral to the health service.

"They work closely with doctors and nurses to increase the numbers of patients being treated, reduce waiting times and improve access to treatment. The new consultant physiotherapist post recognises this and I am delighted that Atle has joined the team."

Mr Karstad said: "I am looking forward to helping allied health professionals within the trust and across the region to achieve their potential."