NHS introduces early warning system for sick children in A&E

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 01:14 · Archive

England's NHS is rolling out a new early warning system in accident and emergency departments to identify deteriorating children faster.

The National Paediatric Early Warning System (PEWS) is being introduced in emergency departments across England from this winter. The system asks staff to measure, record and assess vital signs including blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rates, oxygen levels and consciousness. A high score indicates a child is deteriorating and needs more urgent attention.

PEWS already exists for hospital inpatients but this is the first time it will be used in accident and emergency departments. NHS England said the mass roll-out will make it the largest standardised scoring system of its kind in the world. The new system includes age-appropriate charts to reflect abnormal signs of deterioration in babies, children and young people.

The scheme has been designed specifically for A&E to help with rapid decision-making in busy environments. Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, said the standardised approach will help staff 'recognise the warning signs, communicate concerns, and make timely decisions when every moment matters'. Concerns raised by staff, parents, carers or the child themselves can still trigger immediate escalation of care, even if a child's PEWS score is low. NHS England emphasised that PEWS is not designed to replace professional judgment or the input of parents, carers and children into a child's condition.

How it is being reported

• World’s largest early warning system for severe child illness to launch in NHS A&Es across EnglandPaediatric early warning system (Pews) uses a vital signs scoring system to assess whether a child is deteriorating The world’s largest “early warning system” to spot when sick children are dangerously deteriorating is being introduced in A&E departments across England, NHS leaders have said. The national paediatric early warning system (Pews) uses a scoring system for vital signs to assess whether a child needs more urgent attention. It is already used for inpatients, but NHS England has said this winter will be the first time it is used in A&E . Continue reading...Guardian World · 2 Nov, 06:00
• A&E warning system to flag sick children deteriorating quicklyThe initiative, in England, will help busy staff identify children who are deteriorating quickly as they wait for emergency care.BBC News · 2 Nov, 00:51
• NHS introduces new A&E warning system to spot seriously ill children fasterDoctors and nurses can use the tool to measure, record and assess vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rates, oxygen levels and consciousness.Daily Mail · 2 Nov, 00:01

In this story: NHS England · Duncan Burton · Health Secretary Yvette Cooper · England

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log