PLANS for an electronic booking system have been unveiled by health chiefs in Darlington.

The "Choose and Book" system will allow patients to go to their doctor's surgery and, if specialist treatment is needed, electronically book the date, hospital and even the consultant.

The initiative is designed to improve patient choice and increase the level of certainty of when their appointment is.

GPs are under going training for the new system, which is due to start in December.

Darlington Primary Care Trust's service access manager, Louise Bickle, said: "It's a huge change that will benefit patients.

"They will be able to choose the hospital which is right for them, looking at the medical care, but also practical issues, such as whether the chosen hospital is on a bus route allowing their families to get there easily.

"Patients will also be able to check up on a hospital's performance and access information on the consultant who is carrying out the procedure."

While visiting their local surgery, patients will be able to choose from up to five hospitals, as well as getting a time and date for the treatment.

If their circumstances change, patients will be able to change their appointment by phoning or using the Internet to contact the booking management service.