Martha's Rule rolled out at every A&E department in England

Image source, PA Media Image caption, 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 second opinions about their care if they want.

It is named after Martha Mills, who died aged 13 at King's College Hospital in London 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.