TWO specialist GPs have been taken on in a pioneering move to improve public access to minor surgery and skin treatment.

Darlington Primary Care Trust (PCT) has become one of the first in the country to employ doctors in the role.

Tim Cunliffe, a GP at Denmark Street surgery, and Christie Chou, of Winfield Surgery, both Darlington, are due to start their jobs in July.

Chairman of the Primary Executive Committee Richard Harker told the PCT Board meeting: "The development of a minor surgery and dermatology unit is ground-breaking news. The service will improve access times and relieve the pressure on acute trusts' hospital waiting lists."

In Darlington, the doctors will deal with complaints including lumps and ulcers, without the patient having to go to hospital.

It is estimated that having a dedicated GP unit will either half costs or double capacity, and reduce waiting lists.

The unit may also have the capacity to carry out treatment for other PCTs and hospitals in the region, some of which have already expressed an interest in the service.

It would be capable of treating up to 4,000 cases a year with one evening clinic a week and a Saturday morning surgery every month.

PCT assistant director of health improvement, Paul Davison, said: "It would mean quicker access across an increasing range of procedures, streamlined services and high patient satisfaction. Evidence also suggests that the presence of specialist GPs aids recruitment and retention and provides a sound basis for training and development."

PCT chairman Sandra Pollard added: "This is just the first step of developing more primary care-based services."