A GP'S surgery is spearheading a drive to cut waiting times for people needing to see their doctor.

Ryhope Medical Centre is the first surgery in Sunderland to introduce new measures to enhance levels of healthcare and make it easier for patients to see a doctor or nurse sooner.

The practice has recruited a new member of staff, enabling GPs to spend more time with patients.

This will give them the chance to discuss long-term health issues and preventative measures, rather than just short-term diagnosis and treatment. The arrangement also creates new appointment slots at the end of the day.

An experienced professional, the new recruit has the skills to diagnose and treat many minor ailments and will be able to administer a wide range of healthcare services.

Practice manager Julia Haswell said yesterday: "What is happening here is a taste of things to come in Sunderland.

"Through more flexible approaches to healthcare and the extension of the roles of doctors and nurses, patients will be able to get a great deal more from their local family doctor."