NHS adopts early warning system to prevent child deaths by tracking the vital signs of youngsters
- Parents now have the assurance that doctors will act on their concerns about their sick child
Parents who are afraid that their children will become seriously ill in hospital are now assured that doctors will act on their concerns.
The NHS uses the National Pediatric Early Warning Score to monitor the vital signs of babies and children.
But even if this doesn’t cause concern, parents who think their child is getting worse can have their case escalated immediately.
The change in national policy is the first step toward a ‘Martha’s rule’ to prevent a repeat of mistakes that led to 13-year-old Martha Mills’ death after doctors did not admit her to intensive care.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director of the NHS, said the NHS also hoped to give concerned parents the right to a second opinion on their child’s condition as part of the new policy.
Parents who fear their children will become seriously ill in hospital now have the assurance that doctors will act on their concerns (Stock Image)
NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis (pictured) said the NHS also hoped to give concerned parents the right to a second opinion on their child’s condition as part of the new policy
He added: ‘We know that no one can spot the signs that a child is getting sicker better than their parents. That’s why we’ve ensured that the concerns of families and carers are at the heart of this new system, with immediate escalation of a child’s concerns. care when they raise concerns, and plans to include the right to a second opinion as the system evolves.”
Martha, who suffered a pancreatic injury, died in 2021 after developing sepsis while under the care of King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in south London. Her parents say they have raised concerns about her deteriorating condition.
A coroner ruled last year that Martha would likely have survived if doctors had spotted warning signs and moved her to intensive care sooner. The trust has since apologized for mistakes.
Health Minister Maria Caulfield said: ‘It will be reassuring to families that, as part of this system, parents will be heard.’
The new system for doctors and nurses treating children will keep a graph of the potential deterioration of a child’s condition.
While many hospitals already have similar systems in place, this change will provide a single, standardized process. It is understood the policy will be in force nationwide by the end of next year.