PARENTS and carers are being offered training in how best to deal with common illnesses which afflict their children.

Courses will be staged at children’s centres across north Durham in a move to empower parents and carers to self-manage minor complaints.

The three hour sessions, to be run in centres in Derwentside, Durham and Chester-le-Street, will cover diagnosing and treating a variety of common ailments and illnesses children may suffer as they develop their natural immunity from being babies to the age of five.

These include colds, fevers, tummy bugs, rashes, respiratory issues and meningitis. There will also be explanations on how to determine which healthcare professional and providers to contact if required.

Parents will also be issued a booklet containing useful information including contact numbers and websites and a guide of common diseases.

The scheme will be evaluated and could be rolled out in other parts of the county.

Children’s commissioning manager Philip Ray, of NHS County Durham, said: “Most of the problems parents face are simply an everyday part of growing up which can be helped by having a chat with your health visitor or GP.

“The courses will help to give parents and carers the knowledge and confidence to help them make a more informed decision on when to care for their child at home, when to call the doctor or when to contact urgent care or emergency services.”

Interested parents and carers should contact their local children’s centre for more details and to book a place on a course.