Qualified advisers are bringing their knowledge and experience to Bradford's inner city GP surgeries to help patients sort out their problems.

From housing and benefit worries to immigration, employment and debt advice, experts are now available at practices under a new scheme called Health Plus.

Launched by Bradford City Primary Care Trust, advisers are undertaking half-day sessions at surgeries where doctors, practice nurses and health visitors can refer registered patients.

Health Plus co-ordinator George Scully said it was a completely confidential service and that all trained advisers were backed up by experienced specialists.

"Being ill can bring all sorts of other problems, but people get better faster if we can take away some of the stress and worry," he said. "So our work complements the care and treatment given by health professionals."

The scheme is one of the largest to be funded through Bradford's Health Action Zone and its progress will be monitored for two years. Trainee advisers will also be recruited from the local community.

Liz Andelin of City PCT said she believed it would make a big difference to the lives and health of people in the area.

She said: "We can build up a service which will help patients do something about those non-medical problems which we know affect good health."

Girlington Advice Centre worker Rubina Burham, who advises at the nearby Kensington Health Centre twice a week, said one of the main benefits was better access.

"It really helps people who for some reason cannot get to an advice centre."

Some people were also too embarrassed to be seen walking into an advice centre, she added.

Dr R K Malhotra from the practice also welcomed the scheme. He said: "Now we have someone we can pass patients on to for help with other things, we can spend more time on their medical concerns."