England introduces early warning system to flag deteriorating sick children in A&E

The National Health Service (NHS) in England is launching a new early warning system in hospital emergency departments to help staff identify children who are deteriorating quickly, BBC Health reported.

The National Paediatric Early Warning System (PEWS) requires staff to check, record, and grade vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. A high score signals the need for more urgent attention.

Concerns raised by staff, parents, carers, or the children themselves will trigger immediate escalation of care under the new system.

This initiative aims to prevent situations like the 2024 case of a two-year-old child who died after waiting hours in a hospital corridor, a case cited by Health Secretary Yvette Cooper, who apologized on behalf of the NHS.

The system is being introduced ahead of winter, when NHS emergency departments typically face the highest pressure, to improve patient safety and reduce delays in care.

Whittington Health NHS Trust, where the child had waited, acknowledged ongoing high demand in emergency care and the occasional use of temporary clinical areas, including corridors.