PATIENTS in the region are increasingly likely to be referred to a specialist GP rather than a hospital consultant, according to health bosses.

Latest figures from the Department of Health show that 31 specialist GPs in the County Durham and Tees Valley areas are taking referrals from other family doctors along with 76 in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear.

The move is part of efforts to modernise the NHS and speed up referral times.

At the same time, Northumbria University has announced it is to become the first in the country to train nurse practitioners alongside medical students.

Eventually they are expected to take on some of the work carried out by junior doctors.

The Durham and Tees Valley GPs have developed their interest in a variety of conditions, including dermatology, cardiology and ear, nose and throat problems.

Dr Ian Ruffett, of County Durham and Tees Valley Strategic Health Authority, said the specialist GPs " will reduce waiting times and ensure delivery of services close to patients' homes."

Before becoming a GP specialist, family doctors have to obtain a diploma in their chosen speciality and then be accredited by their local primary care trust.

An example of the new breed of GPs, Dr Caroline Broome, from Meadowfield, Durham, holds a weekly dermatology clinic at Leadgate surgery, Consett.

At the clinic Dr Broome diagnoses skin problems and performs minor operations on the spot. By filtering out straightforward skin problems it has reduced hospital referrals from local surgeries.

"The hospital doctors have been enthusiastic and supportive," said Dr Broome.

In a similar scheme a group of GPs, physiotherapists and podiatrists (feet experts) have set up a successful clinic in Middlesbrough.

A number of GPs in North Yorkshire are also taking referrals.