PEOPLE suffering from joint pain are receiving their treatment much earlier since the introduction of an innovative new service in South Durham.

Since its launch in July last year, more than 600 patients have benefited from the joint assessment service.

Patients who previously had to wait up to 25 weeks to see a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Darlington Memorial or Bishop Auckland General hospitals are now seen by a specially trained physiotherapist in four weeks.

Many people with chronic hip or knee pain can be treated successfully without undergoing joint replacement surgery, and over half of those referred to the service have received the treatment they needed without having to see a consultant first.

The assessment service has also contributed significantly to the continued fall in outpatient waiting times at the two hospitals and no patient now waits more than 21 weeks for an orthopaedic appointment.

As well as being treated by specialist physiotherapists, patients may also receive support from an occupational therapist, a clinical pharmacist and a counselling psychologist.

A recent patient focus group reported that patients were extremely pleased with their treatment and were delighted to be able to manage their condition without the need for surgery.

Drew Coverdale, who is a member of the joint assessment team, said: "There are now plans to build on the success of the joint assessment team by expanding the service into other areas."