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. 

Around 17,500 women in Northern Ireland are set to have their cervical screening results reviewed as part of a significant re-evaluation process dating back to 2008. This follows a report from the Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath), highlighting issues including underperforming staff and inadequate management.

The Southern Trust, responsible for healthcare in the region are notifying some of the affected women that they will be recalled for new smear tests. While most results were accurate, a "significant number" have been flagged as "potentially abnormal" by other labs.

The Southern Trust is in contact with the families of two affected women; one who recently passed away from cervical cancer and another currently receiving palliative care. These cases alone, emphasise the urgency of addressing these issues within the screening program.

The Department of Health has condemned the report's findings as "unacceptable."
Dr. Steve Austin, the Southern Trust's medical director, expressed his apologies for the distress and anxiety caused by these circumstances, acknowledging the ongoing challenges with underperforming staff and management.

This development highlights the need for reform and investment in healthcare resources to ensure women's well-being and peace of mind remain a top priority during the cervical screening process. The ongoing review will significantly impact the future of cervical screening in Northern Ireland, with the aim of improving procedures that prioritize women's health and safety.