NHS introduces new A&E warning system to spot seriously ill children faster

An 'early warning system' to spot deteriorating health in children faster is being introduced in A&Es across England, NHS leaders have said.The National Paediatric Early Warning System (Pews) already exists for inpatients, but NHS England said this is the first time it will be used in emergency departments.Doctors and nurses can use Pews to measure, record and assess vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rates, oxygen levels and consciousness.A high score helps flag when a child is deteriorating and needs more urgent attention.The mass roll–out in England will make Pews the largest standardised scoring system in the world and is being introduced in emergency departments from this winter, NHS England said.It added that Pews is not designed to replace professional judgment or the input of parents, carers and children into a child's condition.Concerns raised can still trigger an immediate escalation of care, even if a child's Pews score is low.Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, said: 'In fast–paced emergency departments, staff need to spot quickly when a child's condition is deteriorating. Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, said the new system will help staff quickly identify children who are getting sicker'This standardised approach will help them recognise the warning signs, communicate concerns, and make timely decisions when every moment matters.'Just as importantly, it makes sure the concerns of children, parents and carers are heard and can prompt action.'The new Pews includes age–appropriate charts to reflect what may be abnormal signs of deterioration in babies, children and young people.The scheme has also been designed specifically for A&E to help with rapid decision–making in busy environments.More than six million children attend A&Es in England each year. A similar process for adults, the National Early Warning System, is already used by NHS hospitals.Separately, NHS England is drawing up urgent new standards for how children should be treated in A&E, including eliminating corridor care for youngsters as a priority.Health secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'I've been clear that children's health needs to be a much greater focus for the whole NHS.'All of us want the reassurance of knowing that if a child is seriously ill, it will be spotted in time by the NHS and that's exactly what this new early warning system, developed by expert clinicians, is designed to do.'So if a child is getting worse or when a parent says something isn't right, they will be listened to, their concerns will be acted on and lives will be saved.'Dr Mike McKean, vice–president for policy at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, which worked on the new Pews system, said: 'I am delighted to see this initiative being rolled out ahead of the winter period, which is always a busy and challenging time for hospitals and healthcare professionals.'The launch of the emergency department Pews charts are extremely important tools that will support all paediatricians and wider child health teams to spot deterioration in children in hospital.'Alongside training and resources, it will help teams across England improve equity, patient safety and quality of care.'Professor Lynn Woolsey, from the Royal College of Nursing, which was also involved in the work, said: 'Early escalation is critical for keeping patients safe, particularly children.'Already saving lives in other parts of the NHS, this system is a vital tool for nursing staff to quickly identify when a child patient is deteriorating, and act.'The emphasis on listening to children, young people, parents and carers is especially important and having a standardised approach across emergency departments and paediatric wards will help support consistent assessment, communication and decision–making.'It will be crucial to ensure there are enough nursing staff, with enough capacity, and the necessary training and support, to spot deterioration and use the system effectively.'More than 90 hospitals across England use the national inpatient Pews system and data suggests they are seeing consistently lower rates of cardiac arrests among their patients, NHS England said.