NHS adopts early warning system to prevent child deaths by tracking the vital ... trends now

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Parents who fear their children are becoming seriously ill in hospital are now guaranteed that doctors will act on their concerns.

The NHS is adopting the National Paediatric Early Warning Score to track the vital signs of babies and children.

But even if this raises no concerns, parents who believe their child is getting worse can ensure their case is escalated immediately.

The change in national policy is the first step towards a 'Martha's rule' to prevent a repeat of mistakes which led to 13-year-old Martha Mills dying after doctors failed to admit her to intensive care.

NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said the NHS also hoped to give concerned parents a right to a second opinion on their child's condition as part of the new policy.