Where people take their children when they are unwell

Between March and April 2022, Healthwatch Nottingham and Nottinghamshire undertook a survey across Bassetlaw with parents and guardians of children under 16.  They were commissioned by Bassetlaw Place who had identified that GP practices had high demand from parents seeking support or attending A&E when the nature of the child’s illness could be managed at home or by seeking support from other services.  They undertook a survey to which 126 people responded.

The most commonly cited reason why people felt sure about dealing with common illnesses were that they would treat it at home.  However some people said they would contact their GP or seek medical help.

Whilst most people felt very sure about dealing with high temperature, upset stomach and cough or chest infection, less than a third felt very sure about dealing with anxiety in school aged children.

There were two recommendations about developing a public awareness campaign.