Early warning tool gets nurses involved sooner

Allied Healthcare is a large independent health and social care provider working in partnership with all statutory agencies. Its aim and focus is ensuring that those who find themselves in vulnerable circumstances feel safe and well supported in their home.

Every care worker is trained to understand the importance of their observation and communication skills, even when carrying out the shortest of care visits. Care workers have an important role in spotting, reporting and acting upon early warning signs such as a change or deterioration in those they care for, in the course of providing regular and vital services to a population of increasingly vulnerable clients. The Early Warning System (EWS) is a tool that carers can use at each visit in all situations. It helps them observe any changes in a person by simply looking, listening and feeling. They are not required to make analytical judgements or to second-guess a diagnosis. This observing and reporting centres around 'is there any change or cause for concern in the client at this time?' The EWS can be used by care workers who are very experienced and those embarking on their first day in practice.