Stay Well This Easter
In the Easter holidays, we encourage parents to take simple steps to keep their children healthy and if they do become poorly, to get the right care without unnecessary trips to A&E. Many common childhood illnesses can be effectively managed at home or through local NHS services such as community pharmacies.
Healthier Together
Parents and carers across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire can now access an online health resource to help manage childhood illness.
The Healthier Together website offers trusted healthcare advice for families and is designed to support decision-making when children are unwell.
The site, available at healthiertogether.nhs.uk, has been reviewed by local paediatricians, GPs, and clinicians and aims to boost confidence in managing children’s health at home and knowing when to seek professional help.
As we approach winter, infections spread easily among children because we all spend more time indoors with each other. It can be very worrying when your child is unwell, and it may not be clear what the best course of action to take is.
The site includes a traffic light guide to help identify the severity of a child’s symptoms. Green indicates low risk, amber suggests seeking advice from a GP or NHS 111, and red advises calling 999 or visiting an emergency department.
Parents can visit the website or download the App, giving them trusted health information at their fingertips.
Childhood Immunisations
If your child has missed any of their routine vaccinations, don’t worry – it’s never too late to get back on track. Vaccines can be safely given at any time, and your child doesn’t need to start the schedule over. They can simply pick up from where they left off.
Staying up to date with vaccinations helps protect your child and those around them from serious illnesses. Please contact your GP practice to arrange a catch-up appointment.
Childhood immunisations – Your Health
Farm Visits
Visiting a farm is one of the most enjoyable and educational experience outdoor activities for kids, but it carries a risk of infection from animals or the environment. Farm animals may carry germs that can be passed from animals to humans and cause illness, with symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, nausea and body aches. Find out how to have a fun and healthy farm visit here –
How to have a fun and healthy farm visit with the family – UK Health Security Agency
Ticks in England can carry infections, including Lyme disease and — very rarely — tick-borne encephalitis (TBE).
People are most likely to encounter ticks when doing activities in the countryside, particularly in woodlands and grasslands where wild animals (including deer) and livestock are also abundant. Other green spaces such as urban parks or gardens can also provide opportunities for contact between people and ticks.
While ticks are most active in the spring and summer months, they can be found all year round.
Find out how to be tick aware here – Tick awareness and toolkit – GOV.UK
Insect bites or stings are not usually serious and get better in a few days. But sometimes they can become infected or cause a serious allergic reaction. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insect-bites-and-stings/
Safe Sleep
The Lullaby Trust safer sleep advice explains the steps you can take to keep your baby safer, reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Follow this advice for every sleep, day and night, until your baby is 12 months old.
If you are going away this Easter, remember planning ahead will help you create a safer sleep environment whenever you go away. A cot, travel cot or Moses basket are all ideal, but there are other options if you don’t have access to one.
Mental Health
Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more.
Evidence suggests there are five steps you can take to improve your mental wellbeing and help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life:
- Connect with other people
- Be physically active
- Learn new skills
- Give to others
- Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)
Did you know NHS 111 can provide urgent mental health support for children and young people? To get mental health advice use NHS 111, select the mental health option and speak to a trained mental health professional.
Pharmacy
Visit your local pharmacy for clinical advice on minor health concerns.
There are lots of conditions that are either self-limiting or suitable for self-care that a pharmacist can help with.
Right Service, Right Time
The NHS is always here to help you – but please use services wisely to make sure you can get the most appropriate support and help us to help you.
Pharmacy First – Pharmacists can provide expert advice, including treatment, for minor illnesses for children aged 1-17 years, without needing a GP appointment.
NHS 111 is available 24/7 online or by calling 111 for medical advice and guidance. Always call for a child below the age of 5. Remember it’s free and there are translation services available.
GP practices – Contact your GP for ongoing health concerns or worsening symptoms.
Urgent Treatment Centres and Minor Injury Units can treat minor injuries and urgent but non-life-threatening conditions.