RAPID access chest pain clinics are to be opened in south Durham as part of an ambitious plans to reduce premature heart disease.

Speeding up the process will ensure that patients receive timely diagnosis and treatment.

The aim of the service at Darlington Memorial Hospital and Bishop Auckland General Hospital is to ensure that patients with suspected angina can see a consultant cardiologist within three working days of visiting their family doctor.

There will be two clinics a week at each hospital, and patients will be invited to attend the next available clinic.

In another improvement to the service, a fast-track approach to diagnosing heart problems, which has been used successfully at Darlington for five years, will be extended to Bishop Auckland.

This means that on the day of their hospital appointment, patients with suspected heart problems will undergo all diagnostic tests, including a scan and a treadmill session. After the tests the consultant will discuss the diagnosis and treatment with the patient and a nurse will give advice on lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking or losing weight.

Consultant cardiologist Dr Jerry Murphy said: "These clinics will make a real difference to the length of time patients have to wait for assessment and diagnosis. We will be able to quickly reassure many patients that they do not have angina whilst ensuring that the appropriate treatment is arranged for those patients who need it."

The service will cost £75,000 a year. The development is supported by local doctors and is being funded as part of a Government programme.