A new regulation known as Martha’s rule has been implemented in hospitals across England, allowing concerned families and patients to request a prompt second opinion from the NHS. This initiative has already had a positive impact, with hundreds of patients benefiting from improved care following the introduction of telephone helplines. The rule was inspired by the tragic case of 13-year-old Martha Mills, who passed away in 2021 after developing sepsis at King’s College Hospital in south London.
Following Martha’s untimely death, it was determined by a coroner that earlier intervention could have potentially saved her life if her deteriorating condition had been addressed promptly. As a result, a national rollout of Martha’s rule has been initiated, with data from NHS England revealing that pilot helplines received nearly 5,000 calls in the past year, leading to critical changes in care for 720 patients.
Martha’s parents, Merope Mills and Paul Laity, expressed their gratitude for the impact of the rule, acknowledging that while they continue to mourn Martha’s absence, they find solace in knowing that other families are being spared similar tragedies. The provision empowers both patients and families to challenge medical decisions if they have concerns about the care being provided.
In response to Martha’s parents’ advocacy, every acute hospital in England now informs families of their right to request a review of their loved one’s care if they are dissatisfied. This review can be conducted by a different medical team within the hospital, addressing any worsening conditions or treatment concerns. The implementation of Martha’s rule follows the unfortunate experience of Martha’s parents, who felt their warnings about her deteriorating health were disregarded by medical staff.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting commended Martha’s parents for their dedication to promoting patient safety through Martha’s rule, emphasizing the importance of putting patients and families at the forefront of healthcare decisions. The initiative aims to rebuild trust in the NHS and ensure that patients’ voices are heard when it matters most, with numerous interventions already proving to be life-saving.
The essence of Martha’s rule comprises three key components, which will be prominently displayed in hospitals through informational posters. Additionally, similar schemes such as Call4Concern in Wales and Martha’s rule pilots in Scotland are being explored to enhance patient advocacy and safety nationwide.