NHS warning system to spot deterioration in children’s health faster

While many hospitals already have similar systems in place, this will provide a national standardized process to ensure issues are detected and escalated quickly. The system allows doctors to track possible deterioration in a child’s condition on a chart, measuring blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels and levels of consciousness, with different scores representing the level of concern. If a parent or carer raises a concern that their child is getting ill or sicker than the score shows, this will immediately escalate the child’s care regardless of other clinical observations. The NHS will roll out a leaflet and video content for parents, letting them know how to communicate concerns to healthcare staff and encouraging them to escalate if needed.