Families in Leicester offered new guide to reduce trips to A&E

A hospital trust has published a guide to help carers and parents know what to do when young children fall ill, providing advice on when and where to seek treatment for children suffering from common injuries or illnesses.

 

The guidance, written by doctors from University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust focuses on minor head injuries, coughs, vomiting and fever, and is hoped will help families avoid long waits in A&E departments.

 

Damian Roland, Head of Service for the trust’s Paediatric Emergency Department, said “We know it can be really worrying when your child is unwell and you’re not sure of the best course of action, particularly at this time of year with Christmas holidays added into the mix.”

 

Mr Roland said the guide looked at the most common issues seen at the trust’s emergency department and was designed to “help parents feel more confident when deciding what treatment might be needed”.

 

He added “As a general rule, I often say to families ‘focus on your child’s behaviour, not their symptoms’.  It’s possible for a child to have symptoms like a cough or vomiting, but seem well in themselves and, in those cases, you can usually treat them comfortably at home.

 

“It’s when you see a change in their behaviour – for example, they might become more lethargic or stop passing urine – that you may need to seek medical help.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

 

Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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