HEALTH bosses in Worcestershire are encouraging people in the county to talk to a pharmacist if they are feeling unwell this winter to avoid a trip to hospital later.

In an effort to ease the pressure on emergency departments during the winter months, the county’s three Clinical Commissioning Groups are advising residents – especially older people – to visit a pharmacy for minor illnesses such as coughs and colds before it gets any worse.

Every winter hospitals see a huge increase in emergency admissions as a result of patients not thinking common winter illnesses are serious enough to speak to a health expert about.

But primary care medicines commissioning lead for the three CCGs Anne Kingham said pharmacists were often valuable sources of advice for these conditions.

“Every winter doctors and nurses see a big increase in the number of older and frail people who are admitted to hospital because of respiratory or other chronic conditions usually worsened by immobility, the cold and other viral illnesses,” she said.

“I would urge older people and those looking after them to seek advice while symptoms are still in the early stages.

“Nipping the problem in the bud often means there won't be serious problems later.

“Pharmacies have long opening hours, you don’t need an appointment and many have private consultation areas, so they are a good first port of call."

To find your nearest pharmacy visit www.nhs.uk.