AN app for parents and carers to check their child’s health is now available to download.

The free Mid Essex Child Health app is designed to help recognise when a child is unwell and offers handy advice on illnesses and treatments.

The service covers care from newborns to eleven year olds.

Clinical commissioning group chairman Dr Anna Davey said: “When a child falls ill, a lot of parents naturally become very anxious and unsure about what they should do or which health service to access.

"We hope this app empowers parents and carers in caring for their unwell child, and to find the right support where and when they need it.”

Consultant paediatrician Dr Manas Datta added: “I know parents generally don’t want bring their children into A&E unless it’s absolutely necessary – but often they end up there because they are not sure what else to do.

“I hope this app will give parents more confidence in dealing with the more minor conditions themselves at home and know when it is best to seek help from our emergency department.”

Conditions covered range from colds and coughs to mental health and advice on when you should keep your child home from school.

The app is available for download now on smartphones and tablets from the Google Play Store and will be available from Apple’s App Store soon.

Visit midessexccg.nhs.uk/livewell/startwell.