Parents, grandparents and carers in mid Essex are invited to this free NHS event aimed at providing information and advice about common childhood illnesses. The workshops will accompany the launch of a guide giving top tips and advice on common illnesses.

Local GPs and pharmacists will be on hand at the events to go through some popular scenarios regarding child health and give advice on ‘what to do and when’.

The events and the new childhood illness guide have been developed by Mid Essex CCG in a bid to give parents, grandparents and carers more information and support.

In 2015/16, the CCG spent more than £1 million in relation to children attending Broomfield Hospital A&E where no treatment was given – just advice only. The projected cost for advice given in A&E could increase this year (2016/17) to £1.8 million.

Dr Caroline Dollery, Chair of Mid Essex CCG and a GP in Danbury, said: “When a child falls ill, a lot of parents and carers naturally become very anxious and unsure about what they should do or which health service to access.

“Our childhood illness events aim to help local parents feel more in control and to feel supported. We want parents, grandparents and carers to know signs to look out for connected to some of the more common childhood illnesses and what to do for help and support if they need it.”

As well as having local GPs and practice nurses’ speak at the events, there will also be a first aid demonstration from the St John’s Ambulance first responders.