The National Paediatric Early Warning System (PEWS) is scheduled to enter emergency departments from this winter as a tool to help staff detect signs of deterioration in a child’s condition faster.

The system sees staff measure, record and assess vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rates and oxygen levels.

An overall score would then be given, with higher scores meaning a child will be given more urgent attention.

All hospitals with a paediatric inpatient setting are transitioning to the NPEWS with rapid uptake since its launch in November 2023.

The mass roll-out in England will make PEWS the largest standardised scoring system for children’s health in the world.

Parents and carers will also be asked about concerns around changes in a child’s condition, as part of the system.

It is said that concerns identified through either staff’s judgement or raised by parents, carers or the child themselves, will trigger an immediate escalation of care, even if their clinical 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.

“This standardised approach will help them recognise the warning signs, communicate concerns, and make timely decisions when every moment matters.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “This is just one measure we’re taking to make children’s health a priority.

“I have also asked the NHS to draw up new standards for how children are treated in A&E and draw up plans to urgently put an end to corridor care for children.”

The roll-out would be alongside education for staff and ways to prepare and embed the system.

Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Vice-president for Policy, Dr Mike McKean, said: “Alongside training and resources, it will help teams across England improve equity, patient safety, and quality of care by providing standardised emergency department appropriate resources.”

Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) President, Dr Ian Higginson, said: “RCEM have been involved in the development process from the outset.

We believe that having a clear common language that enables faster recognition of when a paediatric patient is deteriorating is sensible and will improve care.”