National Early Warning Score (NEWS) app launched

via sumedlibrary

A new App has been launched to help hospital staff use the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) to identify patients who are developing serious illnesses such as sepsis.

NEWS is in use in hospitals across Wales after being launched nationally in April. The scoring system helps staff to assess a patient’s health status and decide on the best response if a patient shows signs of deteriorating health.

The NEWS App can be downloaded from Apple’s App Store for free. It has been developed by 1000 Lives Plus in conjunction with Cardiff Medical Apps.

Dr Chris Subbe, a member of the 1000 Lives Plus Faculty who works in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, has played an instrumental role in introducing NEWS as part of the 1000 Lives Plus Rapid Response to Acute Illness (RRAILS) programme.

“It provides a standard level of response to ensure that every patient in Wales receives the same level and quality of care,” he says.

“All staff, wherever they work in a hospital, and whether they are doctors, nurses, physiotherapists or other staff, can use NEWS to assess patients.”