In a transformative move for patient safety, a powerful new right for patients and their families has been activated in every acute hospital across England. Dubbed Martha's Rule, the policy represents one of the most significant patient safety reforms in recent NHS history.
The initiative, now live in 143 hospital trusts, grants families and patients the legal right to an urgent, independent clinical assessment if they feel their worries about a deteriorating condition are being overlooked. This rapid review will be conducted by a separate critical care team within the same hospital, bypassing the usual chain of command.
The Legacy of Martha Mills
This landmark policy is named after Martha Mills, a bright 13-year-old who died in 2021 from sepsis sustained after a cycling accident. Her parents, Merope Mills and Paul Laity, tirelessly campaigned for change, convinced that their daughter would be alive today if their serious concerns about her declining health had been escalated sooner.
Their heartbreaking advocacy has now culminated in a national standard of care, designed to ensure no other family suffers the same tragic outcome. The rule empowers relatives to directly request a second opinion, effectively creating a vital safety net.
How Martha's Rule Works in Practice
The system is designed for simplicity and speed:
- 24/7 Access: A dedicated phone number and prominent posters on wards provide immediate access to the rapid review team.
- No Barriers: Any patient, family member, or carer can trigger the review without having to convince staff first.
- Immediate Response: A team of critical care specialists will perform an assessment within hours.
- Ongoing Evaluation: The government has committed to reviewing the rule's effectiveness after a year, with the potential to expand it to more settings.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting hailed the nationwide rollout as a "critical moment," emphasising that it will save lives by ensuring concerns are never dismissed. The implementation is a key part of the new government's broader mission to reform the NHS and rebuild public trust.
