A resource aimed at supporting parents and carers of young children has been launched to help manage common childhood illnesses safely at home — and ease pressure on emergency services.
As winter approaches and cases of coughs, colds, and flu rise, families are being encouraged to download the Stay Home, Stay Well guide — a practical tool created for parents and carers of children aged 0 to 9 years.
The guide, which was developed by the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL), Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) and the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board (ICB), provides straightforward advice on treating a range of common childhood symptoms such as:
- fever
- head injury
- diarrhoea and vomiting
- breathing issues
By following the guidance, families may be able to avoid long waits in busy emergency departments or GP surgeries. It also outlines clear advice on when to seek medical help, so children receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Professor Damian Roland, a children’s emergency consultant at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) Urgent and Emergency Care System Clinical Director, emphasised the importance of equipping families with the knowledge to make informed decisions.
He said: “Parents and carers know their children best. This guide is designed to give them the confidence to manage many common childhood illnesses at home. By understanding what can be safely treated at home and when to seek help, families can feel empowered — and children can often recover more comfortably in their own environment.”
The guide is not a replacement for professional care but is intended to support home management and reduce unnecessary trips to the Emergency Department, which should be reserved for life-threatening illnesses or serious injuries. For everything else, call NHS 111.
Families are encouraged to download and save the Stay Home, Stay Well guide to their smartphone, tablet or PC for quick access whenever needed.