PARENTS are rushing their children to the doctor when the pharmacist would be more appropriate, it is said.

A third of parents in the North would take their child to a hospital accident and emergency department if they had a skin rash or a fever, says a survey from the Consumer Health Information Centre (Chic) and Developing Patient Partnerships.

It showed that many parents are unsure who to turn to when their child is taken ill - with many over-estimating the seriousness of the condition.

Dr Ian Banks, GP and Chic spokesman said: "When children have common problems, like coughs, colds and head lice, you don't always need to see your GP.

"Pharmacists are a great source of advice, can supply a range of children's remedies and will help you decide if a trip to the GP is required."

To support parents dealing with their child's minor ailments, Chic and the DPP are launching a Managing Minor Ailments campaign.

This features an information booklet, Caring for Kids; a self-care guide to childhood ailments. The booklet takes parents through common ailments, what symptoms to look for and how to treat the condition.

The booklet is available from the Chic, an information service set up to help consumers understand more about their health.

DPP chairman Dr Simon Fradd said: "Knowing what action to take when their child is ill depends on parents having a good idea of whether their child's symptoms are severe or minor.

"Health professionals play an important role in helping parents to know what services to use and how to self-care."

"NHS Direct offers 24-hour advice on what to do when your child is ill. Pharmacists are a source of advice on medicines and minor ailments."

The DPP is a charity that runs health education campaigns to encourage effective communication between health professionals and patients.

For parents, the GP is often the first point of call when their child becomes ill.

For instance, 62% would consult their GP if their child got worms.

But most GPs would advise a parent to visit their pharmacist for treatment and advice.

However, when parents are confident in their diagnosis of a child's ailments, they are confident self-treaters.

Some 97% of parents in the North are happy to treat children's ailments with over-the-counter remedies.

For a free copy of Caring for Kids phone the Chic helpline on 020 7761 1803 or to download a copy of the booklet, visit the website at www.chic.org.uk

A variety of leaflets on minor ailments - such as pain and indigestion - are available from Chic by phoning 0207 370 2233.

Consumers can also visit the website at www.chic.org.uk

Search under way for expert patients

FAMILY doctors in Mirfield are searching for patients with prolonged illnesses to take part in a new scheme.

North Kirklees Primary Care NHS Trust is looking for people with illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease to go on an expert patient course.

The course will focus on how people with chronic illnesses can manage their health and improve their wellbeing.

Self-help and community groups are invited to discover more about the programme and how they can be involved.

Portfolio manager Marilyn Horton, who is leading the project, said: "The aim of the Expert Patient Programme is to help people to control their own health, so they do not have to go to the doctor's as often.

"The course gives sufferers the opportunity to learn skills which will them manage their symptoms.

"These could include relaxation, healthy eating, exercise, dealing with anger, fatigue and depression or working with health care professionals."

Those who join the programme will have to attend a weekly two-and-a-half hour session for six weeks.

An attendance certificate will be presented at the end.

Ms Horton added: "People who have learned to live with and manage a chronic illness usually have a good understanding of what makes their condition better or worse and have tips for coping."

"Going on an expert patient course means they can share those experiences and suggestions with others who have a similar illness."

Two courses are planned, one in January and one in March.

For more information about becoming an expert patient phone Ms Horton on 01924 351423.

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