With schools breaking up for the Easter holidays and the long Easter bank holiday weekend coming up, the North West’s leading doctor has set out simple steps parents can take to keep their children healthy and treat common illnesses and injuries.

Dr Michael Gregory, Regional Medical Director for NHS England – North West, shared his top tips for children’s wellbeing and said that by knowing where to go for advice and treatment, parents can avoid unnecessary trips to A&E.

He said: “It can be worrying for young ones and their parents when children become ill or have a minor accident. In the school holidays, there are more chances for children to get involved in minor scrapes or sporting injuries, but there are a variety of NHS services that can offer health advice to parents, without the need for an A&E visit.

“These range from local community pharmacies and general practice to the NHS 111 service, which is free, available 24/7 and has a translation service if needed.

“Parents can call 111, or use the online service at 111.nhs.uk for children aged five and over,  for quick and convenient medical advice and help accessing the right service.”

Dr Gregory has the following top tips for parents to help their children stay well:

• Encourage regular physical activity and outdoor play to boost overall health.
• Rember to keep up with drinks to stay hydrated and when necessary, use sun cream and hats on sunny days.
• Book regular check-ups, including with the dentist and optician.
• Keep up to date with vaccinations.
• Maintain a healthy diet and sleep routine which will support the immune system.
• For more information, visit NHS website.

Many common childhood illnesses such as colds, stomach bugs, scrapes and grazes can be effectively managed at home or with help from local NHS services such as community pharmacies:

• Coughs and colds are usually mild and can be managed with rest and fluids.
• A raised temperature is natural response to infection, use children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen as needed. If a child under 3 months has a temperature over 38°C, or if a child over 3 months has a temperature above 39°C, seek medical advice. Your GP can help or NHS 111 when the GP is closed.
• Sore throats are often viral and can be soothed with warm drinks and honey (for children over one year old).
• Ear discomfort, usually following coughs and colds, often clears up on its own and can be relieved with painkillers.
• If a child has an upset stomach, make sure they drink plenty of water and encourage regular handwashing to prevent germs spreading.
• Scrapes and grazes cleaning the wound and covering it with a plaster or dressing. This will help stop it getting infected.
• For further advice and information, visit Alder Hey NHS Trust children’s symptoms checker Symptom checker – Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Trust