NEWS is a tool developed by the Royal College of Physicians which improves the detection and response to clinical deterioration in adult patients and is a key element of patient safety and improving patient outcomes.

In December 2017, an updated version of NEWS, NEWS2 was published.

NEWS2 has been endorsed by NHS England and NHS Improvement – for use in acute and ambulance settings.

NEWS2 has seen widespread uptake across the NHS in England – at present 100% of ambulance trusts and 76% of acute trusts are using NEWS2, with other early warning scores in place in other areas.

However, confusion caused by the current variation in practice can compromise patient safety, something that would be eliminated by use of a common tool. Through standardisation of NEWS2, we can reduce the number of patients whose conditions deteriorate whilst in hospital, and potentially save over 1,800 lives a year.

NEWS2: the benefits of standardisation

This video explains why the National Early Warning Score was developed; how it can be used to identify acute deterioration, including sepsis and the benefits of a standardised early warning system.

Resource pack to support the early adoption of NEWS2

In January 2019, NHS England, in partnership with NHS Improvement, Health Education England and the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) published the NEWS2 resource pack. Developed with clinical input, the pack provides access to tools and resources which support planning and delivery of NEWS2 implementation, and illustrates practical examples of how it is being implemented across the country.

An introduction to NEWS2

This video explains why the National Early Warning Score was developed; how it can be used to identify acute deterioration, including sepsis and the benefits of a standardised early warning system.

Find out more

If you would like more information on NEWS, please visit the Future Acute Deterioration CQUIN Programme workspace or visit the Royal College of Physicians website.