A&E warning system to flag sick children deteriorating quickly
Summary
England is introducing a standard early warning system in hospital emergency departments to help staff identify children whose health is worsening and escalate their care. The system is intended to improve safety during winter pressure on the NHS and follows concerns about children waiting for treatment in crowded corridors.Key Facts
- The National Paediatric Early Warning System, or PEWS, asks staff to record and score vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels.
- A high PEWS score signals that a child needs more urgent attention.
- Concerns raised by staff, parents, carers or the child will trigger an immediate escalation of care.
- More than 90 hospitals in England already use the system in children's wards, with assessments suited to different ages.
- The system is a collaboration between NHS England, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, and the Royal College of Nursing.
- Health Secretary Yvette Cooper has pledged to stop sick children receiving care in hospital corridors.
- The NHS has said it will expand Martha's Rule to all hospital emergency departments in England, allowing patients and families to request a rapid review if they fear a condition is worsening.
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