HEALTH chiefs are developing a policy to deal with increasing demand for complementary therapy in Bolton.

Complementary medicine covers a range of therapies that are not considered part of conventional medicine.

But as more doctors start to embrace treatment like acupuncture, homeopathy, aromatherapy and hypnotherapy, bosses say it is important to develop a strategy to maximise patients' benefit and to minimise any harm.

Around 16 per cent of GPs practice complementary therapy themselves and 90 pc of hospices and pain clinics. 15 medical schools throughout the country offer a dedicated complementary medicine module to students.

The NHS will only fund complementary therapies when there is evidence of effectiveness.

Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust already provides acupuncture as part of its pain physiotherapy services. Some GPs provide the service within their practice and a study is to begin later this year on practitioners who teach patients to self-needle.

Health experts also say there is no good evidence to suggest the effectiveness of aromatherapy, but the health authority does commission services from a voluntary body for HIV positive people.

Widespread interest is also growing in other therapies like herbal medicines, homeopathy, hypnotherapy and spinal manual therapy.

Dr Peter Elton, director of public health for Wigan and Bolton Health Authority, said: "There is a long history of this health authority looking at complementary therapy, but we have never had a strategic framework.

"It should be treated on a level playing field with every other therapy looking at the pros and cons and the level of evidence that the treatment actually works."

Before a comprehensive strategy is formally approved, Dr Elton says safety, reliability, cost and public views need to be taken into account.

He added: "Clinicians are increasingly beginning to use complementary therapies. We need a structure in place to advise when it is needed, but be critical when there is no evidence to suggest it is warranted. If used correctly and responsibly certain therapies have previously proved to be very effective."