NHS to launch world’s largest early warning system for severe child illness across England A&Es
How Pews works
Pews gives doctors and nurses a consistent way to measure and record signs including blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels and consciousness. The system has charts suited to different ages, reflecting signs of deterioration in babies, children and young people.
Rollout across England
The nationwide introduction will make Pews the largest standardised scoring system of its kind worldwide. More than 6 million children attend A&E in England annually. A comparable system for adults, the National Early Warning System, is already used in NHS hospitals.
Training and staffing needs
He said training and resources could help teams improve equity, safety and care quality. Another statement in the report says the system has saved lives elsewhere in the NHS, while stressing that effective use depends on adequate nursing staff, capacity, training and support.
Key points
- Pews is being introduced in A&E departments across England.
- The system tracks vital signs and uses age-appropriate charts to flag possible deterioration.
- A low Pews score does not rule out immediate escalation of care.
- More than 6 million children attend A&E in England each year.