With schools finished for the summer, the NHS is encouraging families to make sure they know where to go for health help.
The school holidays can be a busy time but help is at hand from NHS 111, online and by phone, and with www.stopthinkchoose.co.uk
Parents can also use our handy guide to health services for five to 11-year-olds. It contains a range of useful information, including advice on common childhood health issues. Download the primary school children NHS toolkit.
Stop Think Choose helps people make an informed choice about the best service for them and includes details on Kent and Medway pharmacies, urgent treatment centres (UTCs) and minor injury units (MIUs).
Kate Langford, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Kent and Medway, said: “It's important to come forward with any health concerns but you can help ease the pressure on the NHS by choosing the right service.
“Whether your family has days out planned or you will just be enjoying the good weather in the back garden, it’s important to get the right help fast.
“Knowing the right place to go can help you get the treatment you need faster. Please choose wisely and help us help you.
“Parents can also use our handy guide to keep help keep their children healthy and ready for anything.”
UTCs and MIUs can treat a variety of minor illness and injury. Patients can either walk in or contact NHS 111 to get a same-day appointment booked.
Pharmacists provide expert, free, confidential advice on health issues such as cold sores, constipation, coughs, cystitis, diarrhoea, hay fever, headache, mild eczema, sunburn, sprains and strains. You can simply turn up and ask for advice with no prior appointment.