New System Helps Doctors Find Sick Children Fast
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A new system helps doctors in hospital emergency rooms find very sick children quickly. Doctors check the child's blood pressure and oxygen levels. They write down these numbers. If the numbers are bad, the child gets help right away. Parents and nurses can also tell doctors if they worry about a sick child.
Why Do We Need This?
Two children died in hospital because staff did not notice they were very sick. Finlay was two years old. Martha was thirteen years old. Both children waited a long time before getting the right help. Now hospitals use a new plan to stop this problem. The plan helps busy doctors see danger signs faster.
How Does It Work?
The system is called PEWS. Over ninety hospitals in England now use it. When a parent or nurse sees a sick child getting worse, they can call a special phone number. A doctor will come right away to check the child. The new rule says staff must listen to family worries about sick children. This helps keep children safe in busy hospital rooms.
Discussion Questions
- What does the new system PEWS help doctors do?
- Why did hospitals need to make this new system?
- What can parents do if they worry their child is very sick?
- How many hospitals in England now use this system?
- What numbers do doctors check to see if a child is sick?
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