You know yourself or your loved one more than anyone. If you're worried about a health condition getting worse, talk to us.
What is Martha's Rule?
Martha's Rule is named after Martha Mills who died in 2021 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 promptly and in 2023 a coroner ruled that Martha, aged 13, would probably have survived had she been moved to intensive care earlier.
Extensive campaigning by Martha's parents has seen the introduction of Martha's rule across the NHS from 2024 to help spot any unexpected signs of deterioration early and give you the right to request a rapid review if you're worried that your condition or that of a loved one is getting worse.
You may notice small changes before they show up in our routine measurements. These changes could be early warning signs of deterioration.
How we monitor patients
While someone is in hospital, we regularly check their vital signs and other important health measurements. The frequency of these checks will depend on the patient's individual condition and needs. Sometimes we may need to wake patients to do these checks.
In addition, we will always ask at least daily if patients are feeling better or worse. This is to monitor any unexpected changes in their condition.
What to do if you're worried
1. First, speak to the team caring for you or your loved one
2. If, after speaking to the care team, you remain worried or feel your concerns are not being addressed, call for a rapid review. Phone our Call for Concern number: 02476 964128.
Your call will picked up by our Critical Care Outreach Team, who specialise in the care of critcally ill patients. They will work with you or your loved one's care team to arrange any treatment needed or further review.
This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call for Concern
Call for Concern is the process we are using to implement Martha's Rule.
We are among 143 NHS Trusts in England taking part in the pilot of Martha’s Rule in 2025.
We are currently trialling Martha's Rule on two of our Adult inpatient wards and on our Paediatrics inpatient wards, with a view to rolling out the scheme to more wards from April 2025 onwards.
The Call for Concern process works differently in our Adult and Paediatric areas:
Adult inpatients
Your call will be picked up by our Critical Care Outreach Team who will liaise with the medical teams as needed.
Paediatric inpatients
When you use the Call for Concern number, the details of your concern will be passed onto the Senior Paediatric Nurse on duty who will advocate for the child and their family.
They will follow a clear process to support the child and their family, and arrange a second clinical review by the most suitable doctor. On some occasions this may be a doctor who has already reviewed the child or young person. A second paediatric consultant will be available between 9am and 1pm.
We know that having a child or young person in hospital is a worrying time so we want to reassure patients, their families or carers that your voice matters.
Our commitment
We will regularly ask you for your views and take your concerns seriously. We see you as a partner in the care we are providing and want you to raise any worries and concerns you may have.
Difference between Martha's Rule and second opinion
Martha's Rule allows hospital inpatients and their families to seek a rapid review if their condition, or the condition of a loved one, is deteriorating.
A second opinion is when you would like to see another consultant to discuss any diagnosis or treatment.
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