A gymnasium has been opened to help patients recovering from injury or operations to return to health more quickly.

Physiotherapy staff at the facilities at Chester-le-Street Community Hospital can offer increased rehabilitation services to people in Durham and Chester-le-Street.

Clinical lead Claire Sinnott and senior physiotherapist Frances Robinson have set up personal rehabilitation programmes to suit the needs of their patients.

The programmes encourage patients to use the gym following discharge from the physiotherapy service.

Patients are offered support at their local community hospital rather than having to travel to the University Hospital of North Durham.

Ms Sinnott said: "A gym group was set up in January to rehabilitate patients following injury or operations. With the success of this first group and due to the demand and success of the programme, a further group began in mid-February.

"By referring patients direct to the hospital gymnasium patients can get maximum support and advice from physiotherapists, their assistants and each other.

Ms Robinson, senior physiotherapist with Durham and Chester-le-Street PCT, said: "Feedback from patients has been very encouraging."