AN innovative scheme which sees physiotherapists in Gwynedd consult with patients in GP practices has led to a 16 per cent reduction in referrals.

The pilot stage of the scheme by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board saw physiotherapists employed in GP practices in Nefyn, Pwllheli, Barmouth and Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Research by BCUHB has shown that across nine months in 2015 nearly 2,000 appointments were made with physios which, prior to the new arrangement, would have been with a GP.

That in turn has led to a significant number of GP appointments being freed up for patients with other medical queries.

Patients at these practices have been able to make an appointment with a physiotherapist without needing a referral from their GP, which has improved waiting times and given them quicker access to the treatment they need.

See the full story in this week’s Meirionnydd and Arfon/Dwyfor editions of the Cambrian News