MOST people would not go to accident and emergency if the had back pain, nor would they for a cough or cold - but some people are according to staff at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital.

Dr Gilliam Bryce, consultant in emergency medicine at Musgrove Park, said while everyone is welcome at A and E - people should only go if they really need its services.

She said the department deals with almost 1,000 people a week, and is one of the best performing A and E's in the country, however, staff are seeing an increase in people turning up at the department when other medical facilities such as doctors, NHS Direct or a pharmacist would be more suitable.

Dr Bryce said: "In the last few months we have seen a 50-year-old man complaining of four years of back pain, a woman who came here because her own GP was on holiday and large numbers of children with coughs and colds.

"Many patients also tell us that they attend here in the evenings and at weekends because this fits in with their work and other commitments.

"When people attend A and E who could go elsewhere, it means they have a longer wait, and so do others."

However, the hospital insists it is not going to turn people away if they do go for help.

Clinical lead for emergency medicine Dr Cliff Mann said: "If people are worried, or unsure, then they should come to us.

"We do not want anyone to hesitate if they are concerned.

"But by using other routes for advice and treatment, you, other patients and the hospital all benefit."