SENIOR doctors have launched a campaign to clear up confusion over emergency treatment options for children in East Lancashire.

Posters in schools, children’s centres and nurseries will remind parents and carers that seriously ill or injured children should be treated at the Royal Blackburn Hospital’s emergency department.

Minor illnesses and injuries can be treated at either Burnley General Hospital or the Royal Blackburn Hospital’s urgent care centres, or at Accrington Victoria Hospital’s Minor Injuries Unit.

Dr Claire Smith, East Lancashire Hospitals consultant paediatrician and clinical director for children’s services, said: “Parents and carers often instinctively take children to the nearest healthcare facility to get the fastest treatment, but this might not necessarily be the most appropriate place.

“When a child needs treatment, it is important that parents and carers take a minute to think about the specific illness or injury, and what type of care they are likely to need.

“Serious symptoms like significant breathing difficulties, drowsiness or unresponsiveness, heavy blood loss, deep wounds and severe burns need highly-specialist assessment and treatment.

Carers should call 999 or take the child to the Royal Blackburn Hospital, where a huge range of emergency care specialists are immediately available, both in the emergency department and in the large, high-level children’s unit.

“But in most cases, the problem is more minor and can be treated at an urgent care centre or a minor injuries unit.”

Dr Mike Ions, a GP in Brierfield and chairman of NHS East Lancashire’s GPs committee, said checking NHS Direct or calling the family doctor could also help parents make the right decision.

The campaign preceded the December closure of the 15-bed Deerplay children's ward at Burnley General Hospital when all inpatient care for very sick children will be centralised at a 51-bed unit in Blackburn.