Mr Scott Harding-Lister Head of practice at Apex Health Associates, Scott Harding-Lister is a trained Nurse, a non-practising solicitor and an experienced expert witness.
In an important stride towards fortifying child healthcare and averting avoidable fatalities, NHS England has introduced a ground-breaking initiative: the National Paediatric Early Warning System (PEWS). This innovative system aims to not only track the vital signs of babies, children, and teenagers but also prioritise parental concerns in a bid to prevent tragic outcomes. While already operational in some healthcare establishments, the need exists for its comprehensive implementation throughout the UK.
Understanding the National Paediatric Early Warning System
The National Paediatric Early Warning System (PEWS) is a standardised mechanism intended to monitor children's health by evaluating critical vital signs. It facilitates a streamlined approach for healthcare professionals, tracking a child's blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels, and levels of consciousness across various age brackets. The system provides a structured method to assess a child's condition and promptly escalate care if needed.
Prioritising Parental Input in Child Healthcare
One of the pivotal aspects of PEWS is its recognition of the pivotal role parents play in identifying their child's deteriorating health. Acknowledging that parents can often discern subtle changes better than anyone else, the system ensures immediate escalation of care if a parent or caregiver expresses concerns, irrespective of clinical observations. This places parental voices at the forefront of a child's healthcare, reinforcing their role as active participants in the care process.
Addressing Past Tragedies and Paving the Way Forward
The development of PEWS comes on the heels of distressing incidents, such as the tragic case of Martha Mills, whose untimely demise due to sepsis highlighted the need for an improved patient advocacy system. Martha's Rule, dedicated to providing patients with the right to a second opinion, will be integrated into PEWS, offering families more control and influence in their child's healthcare decisions.
Collaborative Approach for Enhanced Care and Nationwide Implementation
The implementation of PEWS reflects a collaborative effort between NHS England, healthcare professionals, and various medical bodies. It stands as a unified approach to provide a common language for tracking signs of deterioration and expediting necessary actions. The imperative now is the nationwide implementation of PEWS, ensuring all healthcare establishments across the UK incorporate this system to provide a standardised approach to child healthcare.
Empowering Healthcare Professionals for Effective Nationwide Implementation
As the system transitions towards a nationwide rollout, emphasis is placed on training and educating healthcare staff to adeptly utilise PEWS. The Royal College of Nursing stresses the critical need for successful implementation across the NHS, underlining the significance of investing in staff education to enable swift responses when a patient's condition worsens.
Conclusion
The introduction and ongoing use of the National Paediatric Early Warning System mark a pivotal moment in paediatric healthcare. Prioritising parental concerns, standardising assessment methods, and ensuring a swift response to a child's deteriorating health reflect the commitment to a safer healthcare environment for children. With the collective effort and emphasis on staff training, the nationwide implementation of PEWS is crucial to effectively prevent avoidable tragedies in the future.