The NHS is to roll out a new early warning system for doctors and nurses in emergency department to help spot and treat deteriorating child patients more quickly.

From this winter, the National Paediatric Early Warning System (PEWS) will be introduced in emergency departments. It will give staff a clear, consistent way to track signs that a child’s condition is deteriorating, and ensure they get the attention they need, without delay.

Staff will measure record and assess vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rates and oxygen levels and give an overall score. Children with higher scores will be given more urgent attention.

PEWS will be the largest standardised scoring system for children’s health in the world.

Concerns raised by parents, carers or the child themselves will also trigger an immediate escalation of care, even if the clinical score is low.

More than 90 hospitals across England are already using the national PEWS system in paediatric inpatient wards. The data from these trusts shows that they have consistently lower rates of cardiac arrest.

Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said: “Introducing this system into emergency departments is an important next step in improving care for children and young people across England for this winter – and beyond.

“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.

“Just as importantly, it makes sure the concerns of children, parents and carers are heard and can prompt action.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “I’ve been clear that children’s health needs to be a much greater focus for the whole NHS. All of us want the reassurance of knowing that if a child is seriously ill, it will be spotted in time by the NHS and that’s exactly what this new early warning system, developed by expert clinicians, is designed to do. So if a child is getting worse or when a parent says something isn’t right, they will be listened to, their concerns will be acted on and lives will be saved.

“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.”