Patients don't want to have to wait for treatment

The proposal could ease pressure on GPs who currently have to make referrals, says the body that represents the profession.

A poll found 88% of UK citizens would rather refer themselves straight to physiotherapy than have a GP do it for them.

More than 2,400 people were questioned in a study commissioned by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).

Several pilot schemes across the UK have produced encouraging results, suggesting the approach may save doctors time and give better patient care.

Survey welcomed

Phil Gray, chief executive of the CSP, says chartered physiotherapists have had the legal right to take patients without GP referral for many years.

"We are not suggesting that self-referral could be rolled out without appropriate research, support and resources, but it does deserve exploration as an option," he said.

The survey was released at the start of the CSP's Annual Representative Conference in Birmingham.

The Royal College of General Practitioners welcomed the study and called for more research into the option.

"Provided there are thorough clinical guidelines, appropriate training, and clear methods of communication between GPs and Physiotherapists, then I believe that this approach could be beneficial to all parties - patients, doctors, and therapists," said Professor David Haslam, Chair of Council.