Through earlier surgery interventions the trial has reduced the risk of more acute conditions developed and slashed waiting lists by preventing the need for repeat appointments.

Anthony Joyce, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust's podiatry clinical director and consultant podiatric surgeon, explained: ‘The trial is really exceeding our expectations, allowing us to develop the best possible treatment plans for our patients, and scheduling them in for surgery, where needed, in our operating theatres.'

Surgeries at the Minehead community hospital are being performed at a fraction of cost than those provide at the neighbouring Musgrove Park or Yeovil acute hospitals.

The trust plans to expand the service to other parts of the Somerset in the future.

Having an experienced surgeon on-site also offers the opportunity to upskill colleagues and new graduates.

The clinics have also taken over a significant amount of the prescribing of antibiotics, which was previously only done by the patient's GP, helping to free up time for colleagues in general practice.

Joyce added: ‘Overall, since we set up the trial, our colleague satisfaction has been great, patients are very happy and it seems to be going very well. In fact, one memorable bit of feedback I've recently had from a colleague is that prior to this arrangement, they'd go home from work feeling really exhausted, but now they go home and they're feeling fine.'