Martha's Rule rolled out across all A&E departments in England
The NHS is expanding 'Martha's Rule' to all emergency departments in England, allowing patients and families to trigger an urgent clinical review if they feel their concerns about a deteriorating condition are being ignored. The policy is named after 13-year-old Martha Mills, whose death from sepsis was linked to missed opportunities for escalation.
Why it matters
This policy empowers patients and families in critical care settings, aiming to improve safety and communication between medical staff and those they treat.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Michelle Roberts Digital health editor PA Media The rule is named after Martha Mills, who died aged 13 at King's College Hospital in London in 2021 The NHS is expanding Martha's Rule to all hospital emergency departments in England to help patients and families challenge staff and seek a rapid review about their care if they want.
It is named after Martha Mills, who died aged 13 in 2021 after developing blood poisoning, or sepsis. Her family's concerns were not listened to, which later prompted her parents, Merope and Paul, to change that culture by creating the rule.
Patients, loved ones and staff in A&E units will be able to call a dedicated phone number to trigger an urgent review if a patient's condition is deteriorating and they are concerned this is not being listened to.
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