With the start of the school summer holidays, parents are being encouraged to be prepared for the inevitable playground scrapes and minor illnesses.
NHS experts from Durham, Darlington and Tees are asking parents, and those who look after children, to stock up their medicine cabinets, follow sun-care advice and to choose the most appropriate service if their child becomes ill or injured during the summer break.
Choosing well will ensure children receive the best possible treatment and save families a stressful trip to A&E.
Medical Director, Dr James Gossow, of NHS England in Durham, Darlington and Tees, said: “The summer holidays are a wonderful time for children to be out and about, exploring the world around them and keeping fit and healthy.
“Unfortunately we do see a rise in injuries associated with play and leisure activities at this time, so we would ask parents to be especially alert to potential dangers, and also know where they can go to get the right treatment.
“Many patients end up waiting in A&E when they could be treated more quickly by seeking advice from their local pharmacist or even by themselves with basic self-care and first aid,” added Dr Gossow.
“Pharmacists are trained professionals who can offer quick, confidential and expert advice on a range of common conditions. Advice on the appropriate service to use is also available by calling NHS 111.”
People typically stock up on first aid items for holidays abroad, but it’s also important to have items ready for the British summer from your local pharmacy.  These might include:
• high factor sun cream
• insect bite and nettle rash cream
• allergy medicine
• antiseptic wipes
• cough, cold and pain relief remedies
• Plasters and bandages
• Cooling gel packs or flannels that you can dip in cold water
As the next few weeks are predicted to remain warmer than average, parents are also reminded to ensure their children wear sun cream and sun hats, take regular breaks from the sun and drink plenty of water.
For more information, visit NHS Choices at www.nhs.uk/summerhealth