Martha's Rule rolled out at every A&E department in England
Patients, families and staff can call a dedicated number to trigger urgent reviews when they fear deterioration is being missed.
- NHS England is expanding Martha's Rule to accident and emergency departments across England, guaranteeing patients and families 24-hour access to urgent clinical reviews when health concerns are dismissed.
- The scheme was established following the death of 13-year-old Martha Mills at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in south London in 2021. Her parents, Merope Mills and Paul Laity, reported that medical staff repeatedly ignored warnings about her deteriorating condition.
- A trial across seven hospital trusts evaluated safety in emergency settings. During an eight-month pilot, 69 calls were made to Martha's Rule phone numbers, with some patients receiving urgent surgery or transfers to intensive care.
- Prof Aidan Fowler, national director of patient safety at NHS England, called the expansion "a critical new lifeline" to improve care. Health minister Baroness Merron said the initiative is part of "wider efforts to put patient safety at the heart of the NHS."
- The phased rollout is due to be fully completed by March 2028, with hospitals also expected to extend Martha's Rule to maternity and neonatal units. Scotland is beginning to use the scheme, while Northern Ireland is considering adopting it.
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Rother Radio - Rotherham & Sheffield's Best Variety of Hits!Martha’s Rule to be extended to hospital A&E departments in England
Martha Mills developed sepsis while under the care of King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in south London in 2021. Martha’s Rule will be extended to hospital A&E departments in England, making it easier for staff and families to ask for a second opinion. The rule, which was brought in after the death of 13-year-old...
What To Know About 'Martha's Rule' Before You Head To A&E
You might remember the heartbreaking story of Martha Mills, who died aged 13 after developing sepsis following an injury sustained during a bike ride.Martha was admitted to hospital with pancreatic injury as a result of the end of her bike’s handlebar hitting into her stomach. Per the BBC, her family’s concerns over her deterioration in hospital were not listened to, and – following her death – a coroner ruled that had she been referred promptly…
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