NHS England is implementing a nationwide early warning system designed to assist medical professionals in promptly recognising and treating deteriorating child patients while prioritising parents' concerns. This standardised system will monitor scores for vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels on a chart. However, if a parent believes their child's condition is more critical than indicated on the chart, their concerns will trigger the swift escalation of care.

This initiative is welcomed by NHS national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, who emphasises the significance of involving families and carers in the process. He acknowledges that parents are often best placed to observe changes in their child's health. The system also incorporates the right to a second opinion as it evolves further.

This move is in response to recommendations from the patient safety commissioner, Dr. Henrietta Hughes, for the nationwide implementation of Martha's rule. This rule grants patients and their families the right to an urgent second opinion and a prompt review by a critical care team if they have concerns about a patient's condition. According to an inquest, Martha Mills, whose tragic case inspired this development, could have survived with better care.

Health Minister Maria Caulfield emphasises that the Paediatric Early Warning System, developed in collaboration with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and the Royal College of Nursing over three years, will undoubtedly save lives. The new system recognises the importance of giving parents a voice in their child's care, in line with existing standard paediatric warning systems in Scotland and Northern Ireland.