Which service is best for my child?

• grazed knee
• sore throat
• cough
• cold

You can treat your child’s very minor injuries and illnesses at home. The other services on this resource can also give advice on how to do this.

It is good to be prepared with medicines such as age-appropriate paracetamol and ibuprofen, plasters and a thermometer.

Please do not give aspirin to children under 16 as this can cause serious harm. For more information, visit the NHS website.

You are not alone – we can help you and your child.

Sheffield CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) can support children and young people with a range of difficulties that are seriously impacting on their mental health and emotional wellbeing. To get in touch, search for ‘CAMHS’ on the Sheffield Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust website.

You can also make a GP appointment.

You can also search for ‘Sheffield Mental Health Guide’ online

Unsure? Confused? Need help?

NHS 111 is a free to call service which will help you when you need to get medical or dental help fast and you are not sure what to do. If needed, a healthcare professional will speak with you.

It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 111 free from a landline or mobile, or visit the NHS website.

To access the NHS 111 service via textphone, call 18001 111.

• diarrhoea
• runny nose
• painful cough
• headache

Your local pharmacist (chemist) is trained to suggest medicines for your child and give advice on illnesses like coughs, colds and skin irritations without the need for a GP appointment.

They will have a quiet area where you can speak to the pharmacist more privately, and many are open during the evenings and weekends.

To find your nearest pharmacy, visit the NHS website or call 111.

• being sick
• ear pain
• injury

If your child has an illness or injury that will not go away, make an appointment with your GP.

They provide a range of services by appointment, including medical advice, examinations and prescriptions.

To find your local GP surgery, their details and opening times, visit the NHS website.

For an urgent GP appointment out of hours, just ring your GP practice’s normal number.

If you cannot get to see your GP and it is not getting any better.

Walk-in Services treat minor illnesses and injuries that do not need a visit to A&E.

You do not need an appointment and will be seen by an experienced nurse or doctor.

The Sheffield NHS Walk-in Centre is on Broad Lane, S1 3PB. It is open 8am to 10pm, 365 days a year.

• choking
• chest pain
• severe bleeding
• blacking out

The Accident and Emergency (A&E) department and the 999 service should only be used in life threatening and serious situations only.

They will give immediate care for people who show symptoms of serious illness or are badly injured. If you call 999, the advisor may send an ambulance vehicle to your location.

In Sheffield, there is an A&E for children (under 16 years) at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.