- Parents now have the assurance that doctors will act on their concerns about their sick child
Parents who fear their children will become seriously ill in hospital now have the assurance that doctors will act on their concerns.
The NHS is adopting the National Pediatric Early Warning Score to track the vital signs of babies and children.
But even if this does not cause concern, parents who believe their child is getting worse can ensure their case is referred immediately.
The change in national policy is the first step toward a “Martha government” to prevent a repeat of the mistakes that led to the death of 13-year-old Martha Mills after doctors would not admit her to intensive care.
NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said the NHS also hoped to give concerned parents the right to a second opinion on their child’s condition as part of the new policy.
Parents who fear their children will become seriously ill in hospital now have the assurance that doctors will act on their concerns (File Image)
NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis (pictured) said the NHS also hoped to give concerned parents the right to a second opinion on their child’s condition as part of the new policy.
He added: “We know that no one can spot the signs that a child is getting sicker better than their parents, so we have ensured that the concerns of families and carers are at the heart of this new escalating system. immediate in the child’s illness”. attention if they raise concerns and plans to incorporate the right to a second opinion as the system develops further.’
Martha, who suffered a pancreatic injury, died in 2021 after developing sepsis while under the care of King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in south London. Her parents say they expressed concern about her deteriorating condition.
A coroner ruled last year that Martha likely would have survived if doctors had identified the warning signs earlier and moved her to intensive care. The trust has since apologized for the errors.
Health Minister Maria Caulfield said: “It will be reassuring for families to know that, as part of this system, parents will be heard.”
The new system for doctors and nurses treating children will track possible deterioration in a child’s condition on a chart.
While many hospitals already have similar systems in place, this change will provide a single, standardized process. It is understood that the policy will be implemented nationally by the end of next year.
