A FREE NHS Health Help Now web app launched across North Kent has already been used more than 3,000 times in a month.

It was designed to let people in Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley find the right help for them at any time day or night.

Just highlight your symptoms and where you are and the app works out the rest, including directions to the nearest pharmacy, walk-in centre, minor injury unit or A&E if needed.

Since its launch on December 13 more than 2,100 people have taken advantage of the service.

GP Dr Bhaskar Bora, clinical chair of NHS Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) which plans and pays for the bulk of the area's health services, said: "We are delighted it has already proved such a hit with the public. It saves people a lot of time."

"Health Help Now is packed with useful information and advice for people of every age. It can be used 24 hours a day from a mobile phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer and works across Kent and Medway.

"We know the NHS can seem confusing which is why many people unsure of where to go often end up at A&E with minor injuries or ailments.

"This web app tells them where to get the right treatment without having to wait in a busy A&E department. That helps them and also keeps A&E free for those who really need it."

The app lists GP practices, minor injury units, walk-in centres, dentists, optometrists and pharmacists.

It includes support phone numbers for mental health worries and contains information on common health conditions and web links to reliable resources.

It can be downloaded from www.healthhelpnow-nhs.net and saved to a mobile phone, tablet or computer for easy use.