Ref. 27973-19TRADITIONAL cold and flu remedies are being sold in Swindon more than anywhere else in the country.

A survey has revealed that Swindonians are stockpiling packet remedies and cough mixtures to beat the winter chill.

And this could prevent NHS walk-in centres and Swindon's Great Western Hospital being clogged up with unnecessary complaints as doctors gear up for the onslaught of winter.

While the usual flu bug does the rounds, GPs have been busy vaccinating people across the town.

Steve Hams, Swindon Primary Care Trust's flu co-ordinator, said: "Surgeries across the town are currently vaccinating people aged 65 and over and those who are in the 'at risk' categories.

"But clearly people are taking the appropriate advice by talking to their pharmacist about easy remedies.

"However, people need to be aware there is quite a difference between the common cold and flu. I think the reason cold remedies are selling so well is the message is finally getting through to people who are being more sensible and going to see their pharmacists."

Supermarket chain Asda conducted a survey into how well cold and flu remedies sold across the country.

The research showed that Swindon sold nearly 22 per cent more remedies than traditionally cold places like Aberdeen, Newcastle and Glasgow.

North Swindon Asda Wal-Mart manager Mark Pollard said: "There are lots of coughs and colds doing the rounds and we've had a lot of people come in asking what we can do to help them.

"We've noticed big sales in the last fortnight."

Some Swindon GPs have noted a 50 per cent increase in consultations for flu-like symptoms this winter and levels of colds and flu are at their highest since 1999 with the South West being one of the most prone areas in the country.

Dr Peter Swinyard of the Phoenix Surgery in Toothill said: "We are a lot busier than last year in terms of people coming to see us about cold and flu jabs we've probably seen 50 per cent more people this year compared to last year."

Meanwhile patients at Swindon's Great Western Hospital have been warned their operations may be cancelled as doctors get ready for winter emergencies.

The hospital has said it will treat people based on clinical need, which may mean patients booked in for routine surgery like having tonsils out or bunions removed will have their operations rearranged.

And although the £150 million hospital is already running close to capacity it is hoped a 26-bed interim ward, which is due to open next month, will alleviate some of the winter pressure.

GWH spokesman, Chris Birdsall, said: "Whenever we get particularly busy we have escalation policies because we don't turn people away. Some people go to the day surgery ward, which means operations are postponed but we arrange a date as quickly as we can and always apologise we don't like having to do it, but it's a last resort."

Giles Sheldrick