A NHS Health Help Now web app has generated 10,169 hits in its first three months of being live.

It was launched in December and has been used by nearly 6,500 users.

The app reaches people in east Kent, north Kent and Medway.

The force behind the resource was to reduce the amount of casualties going to A&E.

It lists common symptoms, suggestions for treatment and where the nearest hospital or pharmacy is.

According to Doctor Mark Jones, the chairman of the NHS Canterbury and Coastal Clinical Commissioning Group, around 40% of people leave the accident and emergency department without treatment.

Mr Jones said: “I’m pleased that so many people have been using the app and I hope they will help us to spread the word.

“It’s simple to use, and in just a few clicks of a button, users are able to find the most suitable health care service for their needs.”

“We hope that the app will play a part in reducing the number of unnecessary trips to A&E.”