A pilot scheme which has saved dozens of doctors appointments for patients with muscle and joint problems has seen encouraging results.

A specialist musculoskeletal practitioner has been working closely with GPs in Workington to ensure patients are seen quickly and by the correct person – saving 150 appointments along the way.

All surgeries in the area are involved and if a patient calls with a muscle or joint problem they are offered an appointment with the specialist practitioner, based at the town’s community hospital.

It means they avoid having to see a doctor or get a referral to an acute hospital.

Workington GP, Dr Niall McGreevy, has already noticed the benefits.

“This is a very welcome addition to the range of services available at Workington Community Hospital,” he said.

“As well as providing expert advice and treatment to local patients, it helps by saving a significant number of GP appointments that become available for other medical problems.”

It also means treatment can be received closer to home.

Specialist MSK Practitioner, Anu Singh said: “This new way of working allows us to provide more timely advice and offer a wide range of treatment options locally such as injections, imaging and blood tests. We can also refer patients to other services, such as podiatry, physiotherapy or for specialist care when appropriate.”

David MacKay, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, has also praised the scheme.

“By working together we can provide rapid access to physiotherapy specialists, closely supported by orthopaedic surgeons,” he said.

“It means expert care is provided quickly and more locally and those requiring surgery can be identified and fast tracked to the surgeons.”

The service has been well received by patients.

Rebecca Bechelli from Workington, said: “I wasn’t aware of the service when I called my GP surgery but I’ve been really impressed with it all. I normally see a rheumatologist in Bath for my condition but I was in a lot of pain and had a while until my next appointment so I tried my GP.

“The surgery referred me to the MSK service and it was great – they managed to fit me in that day and were really knowledgeable about my condition. The aftercare advice has been brilliant too; it’s great to know this is now available on my doorstep.”