WARRINGTON’S GP out of hour’s service took almost 1,500 calls over a three day period from Boxing Day, although two thirds of these callers did not need to see a doctor.
Now local people are being urged not to contact the town’s GP out of hour’s service with cold symptoms. NHS Warrington is concerned that the high number of calls from people with minor symptoms such as sore throats and blocked sinuses will cause an unnecessary delay in dealing with those with more serious illnesses.
Anyone who is unsure of how to treat minor cold symptoms is advised to go to their local pharmacy where they will receive fast advice and treatment. NHS Direct’s online health and symptom checker can also be used for self-care advice so that patients can treat their cold symptoms at home.
A spokesperson for NHS Warrington said: “If you’ve got a cold, the only thing you can do is stay at home, drink plenty of fluids, and take paracetamol. That’s the best advice. If after a few days your symptoms persist, you should contact your GP Practice.”
NHS Direct online health and symptom checker is available at www.nhs.uk/nhsdirect
WARRINGTON'S GP out of hour’s service took almost 1,500 calls over a
three day period from Boxing Day, although two thirds of these callers
did not need to see a doctor.
‘Cold’ callers inundate GP phone service
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
