Community nurses in Airedale are pioneering a new device they hope will give patients a more rounded view of their benefits.

They are the first to trial a Benefits Disc that simply and quickly explains what benefits are available to different groups of patients.

And it has already helped out local people according to Barbara Smith, an outreach worker with Keighley Citizens' Advice Bureau.

She has been using the disc during CAB outreach sessions that are being held in local GP surgeries.

She says: "One man on long term sick leave was referred to us and he didn't realise that he could claim Income Support on top of his Incapacity Benefit.

"Even though the extra Income Support was only worth £1.30 per week, it meant he was also entitled to free prescriptions which had initially cost him about £50 a month."

Sue Nguyen, Service Manager at Keighley Health Centre, says: "Low income and debt causes a lot of stress and worry. It can mean that people cannot keep warm or afford a healthy diet, so it is important to know about all the financial help available and to get professional advice.

"The Benefits Disc will help community nurses to help people who are struggling to make ends meet."

The disc has been developed by Heartsmart which promotes coronary health throughout the Bradford district.

It has utilised Health Action Zone funding to get the project off the ground.

Pam Essler, chairman of Airedale PCT's Health Action Zone Board, says: "This is a major step forward in joining up services to tackle issues like debt which can have such a devastating effect on people's health.

"It links well with the Citizens' Advice Bureau service provided in some GP surgeries which we have been funding so that those who need a comprehensive service can get it."

The Benefits Disc will be introduced to other parts of the Bradford district next year.