Are you caring for a poorly child and don’t know who to turn to for advice? The HANDi App, developed for the NHS by a team of paediatric experts, provides support to parents/carers and medical professionals looking after children with the most common childhood illnesses. These include diarrhoea and vomiting, high temperature, abdominal pain, chest problems such as wheezing and asthma, and common problems experienced by newborn babies.
As well as providing up-to-date NHS advice on common childhood conditions and how to treat them, the HANDi App has a quick and easy-to-use child symptom checker. The app takes you through a series of questions about the symptoms your child is experiencing and then advises on the best course of action, whether that’s to treat at home, call NHS 111, to make a GP appointment, or to head to A&E. Each of the most common childhood illnesses has a Home Care Plan to help you provide the best support for your child.
Dr Kirsty Alexander, a local GP and Clinical Lead for Children and Families at Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire CCG, explained, “It’s natural for parents to worry about a poorly child, particularly if you are a new parent. Babies will often be ill, particularly if they have siblings. But it can be difficult to know whether the illness is minor or if the child needs to see a doctor.
“That’s where the HANDi app comes in. Most childhood illnesses are minor, but the app will help parents make decisions on whether to treat their child at home, call NHS 111 or contact their GP or local hospital. It gives them peace of mind and helps them make the right decision for their child. We also hope it will prevent unnecessary trips to A&E which can also be stressful for parents and children.”
You can download the HANDi App by clicking here