Bristol doctor helping parents deal with head injuries in children

Dr Michael Malley developed guidance for head injuries on the app

A children's doctor has developed a head injuries care plan on a free app to advise parents and guardians.

Dr Michael Malley, from the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, developed the head injuries aspect of the NHS HANDI app to prevent unnecessary trips to A&E.

The app also offers advice on a range of childhood illnesses.

The head injury guidance is currently only available in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

The app was designed six years ago as doctors see many children who do not require hospital treatment.

Users of the app have to answer a series of questions about the symptoms their child is experiencing, before receiving advice on the best route to take, whether that is to treat at home, book a GP appointment, or to call NHS 111 or 999.

Elissa Brighouse uses the app to seek advice when her children are unwell

Dr Malley said: "Most minor head injuries are usually not a cause for concern so we have developed the head injuries care plan to give parents and carers detailed advice on understanding when they can treat their child at home and when is best to seek medical attention.

"The red flags for head injuries include vomiting more than once, becoming confused, abnormal movements such as fits, faints or funny turns, and losing consciousness or becoming drowsy."

Elissa Brighouse uses the app to seek advice, following a recommendation from a friend.

The mother-of-two, who used to often rely on the internet for medical advice, said: "It's good and reassuring as a parent that you know what you can do, rather than 'doom scrolling' through Google.

"I definitely recommend other parents download it because it's a point of reference."