NHS A&E warning system aims to identify deteriorating children

Health · First reported 2 Nov, 00:01 · Updated 01:16

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

A warning system is being used to help identify children who become acutely unwell in hospital. The coverage describes its use and the measurements it can assess, while the BBC also provides context on Martha’s Rule and the system’s development.

More than 90 hospitals in England have used an early-warning system in children’s wards, with age-appropriate assessments from babies to teenagers.
The tool can assess vital signs including blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, oxygen levels and consciousness.
The NHS has said it will expand Martha’s Rule to emergency departments across England; the rule lets patients, families and carers request a rapid review if they are concerned about worsening health.

Summary written by Lux AI from 2 articles

Key facts

Hospitals using the system: More than 90 hospitals across England.
Age groups: Assessments are available from babies through to teenagers.
Martha Mills: She died aged 13 in 2021 after developing sepsis in hospital.
Warning tool measures: Blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, oxygen levels and consciousness.