System-wide Paediatric Observations Tracking (SPOT) Programme
The ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ (RCN) has worked in partnership with NHS England and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) to establish a single National Paediatric Early Warning Score and system, (PEWS) for England.
While many acute hospitals have developed their own programmes to improve the recognition and response to deterioration, this has created inconsistencies across regions and the country. This is unlike other countries, including the devolved nations of Scotland and Northern Ireland, where single PEWS systems for children are in place. The RCN has been calling for a single system across England for over a decade.
In June 2018, NHS England and NHS Improvement, the RCPCH and the RCN came together to establish a joint National PEWS programme board for England. The RCN is a member of the Programme Board and many RCN members have been involved in the working and clinical advisory groups.
Resources
- NHS England: .
- NHSGGC Paediatrics for Health Professionals:.
- Health and Social Care Quality Improvement (HSCQI) Northern Ireland: .
Further resources
- RCN (2017): Standards for Assessing, Measuring and Monitoring Vital Signs in Infants, Children and Young People.
- Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH): (updated 2023).
- Newcastle hospitals (2021): .
- Thomas-Jones et al (2018): . BMC Paediatrics, Pediatrics (2018).
- Roland et al (2021): .
- NICE (2016): .
Page last updated - 28/05/2024
