00:00Emergency departments in England are introducing a system to help staff spot when a child becomes dangerously ill.
00:07The National Paediatric Early Warning System asks clinicians to check vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels,
00:16and grade the results.
00:17A high score means more urgent attention is needed.
00:21Concerns raised by staff, parents, carers or children themselves should also trigger an immediate escalation of care.
00:28More than 90 hospitals already use the system on children's wards.
00:33The change follows concern about children waiting for treatment in crowded hospitals.
00:38Martha's Rule also lets families request an urgent review if a patient's condition worsens.
