HOSPITAL should not be the first port of call for those feeling poorly, Swindon’s top nurse has said.

Swindon Clinical Commissioning Group’s head nurse has urged people to try alternatives to the emergency department – like pharmacies, the health walk-in centre or the NHS 111 advice line.

Gill May, executive nurse at Swindon CCG, said: “The NHS Constitution, which is the NHS handbook, says ‘Please recognise that you can make a significant contribution to your own and your family’s good health and wellbeing and take responsibility for it’. It is important to take some time to understand how you may be able to help yourself before accessing health services.’’

“In Swindon, we have a number of services that can be accessed in the first instance including pharmacies, the Walk-in Centre at the new Swindon NHS Health Centre and the Urgent Care Centre on the Great Western Hospital site.”

She added that the NHS non-emergency advice line 111 and local pharmacists were good sources of health advice. Keeping your home warm during winter, setting the thermostat to 18-21 centigrade, can also help prevent common winter health complaints.

Her comments come as health workers across the country mark Self Care Week.

Organised by the Self Care Forum and the NHS, it aims to help people to look after themselves better over winter.

According to research commissioned for the campaign, 47 per cent of adults say they need help to care for conditions like colds that can be treated without the need to visit the doctor.

Dr Pete Smith, Self Care Forum co-chairman, said: “As a GP I regularly see patients in my surgery who are only there for advice or information that they could have got from their local pharmacy.

“We have been told to expect high levels of colds and flu this winter, so it is vital we do more to give people enough information to help them to self care when appropriate, and to know when things are more serious so they do need to see a doctor.”

Health minister Steve Brine added: “We know GPs are busier than ever, but around a third of appointments are unnecessary, so any initiatives to provide easily accessible information on self-care will help to relieve pressure on GPs.”

Self Care Week runs until November 19.

For more about health facilities in Swindon, visit: www.swindonccg.nhs.uk/index.php/your-health/healthcare-without-an-appointment.