In a transformative move for patient safety, the NHS is launching a major new national policy known as 'Martha's Rule', granting families and patients the right to demand an urgent second clinical opinion if their concerns are not being heard.
The initiative, one of the most significant patient safety reforms in recent years, is named after Martha Mills, a 13-year-old girl who died from sepsis in 2021 after failings in her care at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in London.
A Legacy Forged from Tragedy
Martha's parents, Merope Mills and Paul Laity, tirelessly campaigned for systemic change after a coroner ruled that their daughter would likely have survived had she been moved to intensive care earlier. They believed their repeated concerns about Martha's deteriorating condition were not adequately escalated.
Health leaders have now heeded their call. The new rule will be introduced in hospitals across England from April, initially focusing on at least 100 sites before a wider roll-out.
How Martha's Rule Will Work
The system is designed to be a crucial safety net:
- 24/7 Escalation: A dedicated phone number and signage on wards will allow patients and their families to directly request a review from a separate critical care team.
- Rapid Response: This second-opinion team will be required to assess the patient and provide advice within a stringent timeframe.
- Empowering Families: The rule formally recognises the vital role families play as advocates for their loved ones.
A National Step Change in Safety Culture
NHS National Medical Director Professor Sir Stephen Powis stated the implementation of Martha's Rule marks a "watershed moment" for the health service. The policy aims to foster a more open and responsive culture where the insights of patients and their families are valued as a key part of the clinical process.
This proactive approach is expected to help identify deteriorating patients earlier and prevent similar tragedies, ensuring Martha's legacy is one of profound and lasting change within the NHS.
