Patients suffering from depression are being offered fast-track treatment in the comfort of their GPs' surgeries, thanks to 100,000 worth of investment, writes Victoria Owen.

All 31 practices across Oxford will have access to a new team of psychologists and counsellors who will offer help to people with anxiety and psychological problems brought on by the stress of illness, redundancy or bereavement.

Up until now, only a third of the city surgeries have had access to counsellors, while only one practice could offer patients an appointment with a psychologist. The scheme, run by Oxfordshire Mental Health NHS Trust, will also mean patients do not have to wait to be referred to a consultant at the city's Warneford or Littlemore Hospitals. Instead, once the scheme is launched in the autumn, they will be able to meet up with a specialist at local surgery.

Trust clinical manager June Dent said: "We aim to provide a wider range of therapies that are accessible to more people and that are provided by well qualified and well supported staff. "We are currently recruiting staff who will work closely with the doctors and nurses and other staff in the practice.

"They will also work closely with the many voluntary organisations who also offer counselling in Oxford."

The scheme is being funded by the Oxford City Primary Care Group, which oversees GPs within the city boundaries, and has used cash from a special development funds.

Dr Robert Mather, a family doctor based at North Oxford Medical centre, said: "We believe their input will be of great benefit to local people."