Martha’s Rule rolled out to all acute hospitals
Life-saving changes
This news is supported by data showing that hundreds of patients have benefitted from potentially life-saving changes to their care, thanks to the scheme.
Since last year’s pilot, it has already been used nearly 5,000 times, with over 240 potentially life-saving interventions.
The positive results from the first year have led the NHS to expand its use to an additional 67 sites - meaning all 210 acute inpatient sites in England will offer the service.
Martha’s Rule
Martha’s Rule gives patients, families, and staff the power to call for an urgent second opinion if someone’s condition is worsening.
Martha Mills died in 2021 aged 13 after developing sepsis in hospital, where she had been admitted with a pancreatic injury after falling off her bike. Martha’s family’s concerns about her deteriorating condition were not responded to, and in 2023 a coroner ruled that Martha would probably have survived had she been moved to intensive care earlier.
In May 2024, NHS England announced the rollout of Martha’s Rule across 143 pilot sites following the campaigning of Martha Mills’ parents, Merope and Paul.
“It would be Martha’s 18th birthday today, another milestone she has missed as a result of the poor care and hospital errors that led to her unnecessary death.
“We feel her absence every day, but at least Martha’s Rule is already preventing many families from experiencing something similar.
“The figures prove that lives are saved when patients and families are given power to act on their suspicions when they feel doctors might have got it wrong and their voice isn’t being heard.
“We are pleased to know more hospitals are taking up Martha’s Rule and look forward to a time when every patient in the UK knows about the initiative and has easy access to it."
Martha’s parents, Merope Mills and Paul Laity
Roll-out & new data
The new data published by the NHS shows almost three quarters (71.9%) of calls have been from families seeking help, with 720 calls leading to changes in care. This could include patients receiving a new medication such as an antibiotic.
Almost 800 (794) calls led to clinical concerns such as medication or investigation delays being addressed. A further 1,030 calls helped to resolve communication and discharge planning issues.
Martha’s Rule is a major patient safety initiative in hospitals encouraging patients, families and carers to speak to the care team if they notice changes in someone’s condition. It also provides them with a way to seek an urgent review if their or their loved one’s condition deteriorates - and are concerned this is not being responded to.
Staff can themselves ask for a review from a different team if they are concerned the appropriate action is not being taken.