A drive has been launched to encourage practices to employ physiotherapists to help patients with musculo-skeletal conditions.

In a pilot scheme in Cheshire, patients were able to make a direct appointment with a physio rather than with a GP.

The idea was being backed by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, which was holding its annual conference this week.

The society says a typical practice could save £2,500 a week by using physios.

The proposals were welcomed by GP leaders.

But Royal College of GPs chair Dr Maureen Baker said: “Whilst the services GPs and physiotherapists provide complement each other, they are very different, so whilst we would welcome better integration between the two we would recommend that any self-referral schemes reflect local needs and are continuously evaluated.

“We would also need assurances that patients do not fall prey to providers who are not accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.”

In the West Cheshire pilot some 700 patients were given access to a physio – and 36 practices in the area have now adopted the scheme.

The society has released a “cost calculator” for its members to help them demonstrate their financial benefits to local practices.

Chief executive Karen Middleton said: “More GPs are choosing to invite physiotherapists to work alongside them in surgeries up and down the country to save time and money.

“Our ambition is for this to be the norm rather than the exception.”