While you wait for your treatment

Unfortunately, waiting times have increased across the country. We are working hard to ensure that children and young people get the care they need as quickly as possible.

While you are waiting, you can use any extra time in a positive way to help your child to be healthier before their appointment.

This can help medication be more effective, support their treatment and benefit their long-term health. Here are the ways that your child and whole family can put yourself in the best place for when your appointment comes.

Moving more

“If physical activity were a drug, we would refer to it as a miracle cure, due to the great many illnesses it can prevent and help treat.” – Chief Medical Officer for the UK

National guidelines for physical activity recommend 180 minutes per day for pre-schoolers and 60 minutes per day for school-age children.
These websites have excellent resources to help children of all abilities to achieve these goals.

Eating more healthily

A healthy diet is important for a child’s development and even more essential if they have a medical condition.

Getting control of asthma

Asthma is common in childhood and if poorly controlled it can cause complications to certain treatments or medications. An assessment of control can be done using the Asthma Control Test (www.asthmacontroltest.com). If support or improvements are required please seek advice from your GP or practice asthma nurse.

Creating a smokefree home

Children who are exposed to tobacco smoke in their home are more likely to suffer poor long term health. If you or a family member would like support stopping smoking visit the NHS website for advice and support.

Keeping teeth healthy

Dental decay impacts on children’s wellbeing, school attendance and can be very painful. It’s important to have your child’s teeth checked once a year and brush them twice a day with a fluoride tooth paste.

Having a health check

If your child is aged over 14 years and has a learning disability, they can have a free annual health check once a year at your GP surgery.

Getting the right vaccinations

It’s important that children and adults have vaccines at the right time for the best protection. If you or your child have missed a vaccine, contact your GP to catch up.