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The genesis of Martha's rule
Martha Mills sustained a pancreatic injury after a bicycle accident and subsequently developed sepsis while under care at King’s College Hospital in London in 2021. Despite her parents' concerns and requests for escalated care, Martha’s condition was not adequately addressed, leading to her untimely death. Her parents, Merope Mills and Paul Laity, have since campaigned tirelessly for a system that allows patients and their families to obtain a second opinion in critical situations.
The rollout and its impact
NHS officials describe the rollout of Martha’s Rule as one of the most significant changes to patient care in recent years. By March 2025, 143 hospitals will implement this life-saving initiative. The programme enables patients, relatives, and staff to contact a critical care team not involved in the patient's initial treatment. This team, available 24/7, will reassess the patient’s condition and ensure necessary care adjustments.
The implementation will be visibly promoted throughout hospitals via posters and leaflets, advertising an internal phone number for accessing the critical care outreach team. This accessibility ensures that anyone who feels their concerns are not heard can promptly seek a second opinion.
Widespread support and recognition
The initial target was to enrol 100 hospitals, but this number has significantly increased due to overwhelming interest from clinicians. Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England’s Medical Director, praised the initiative, acknowledging the dedicated campaigning by Martha’s parents. He highlighted the transformative potential of Martha’s Rule, emphasising the importance of incorporating family insights into patient care.
Cultural shift in healthcare
Merope Mills has emphasised that Martha’s Rule aims to change the culture of deference within the NHS, fostering a more equal relationship between doctors and patients. This shift encourages open communication and ensures patients and their families are active partners in healthcare decisions. Martha’s Rule aims to prevent future tragedies and improve patient safety by empowering patients to speak up.
Looking forward
The NHS is working closely with Martha’s parents to develop informative materials that will be distributed across hospitals. These resources will help patients, families, and staff understand how to use the new system effectively.
As we move forward, implementing and evaluating Martha’s Rule in these 143 hospitals will inform its potential expansion to all acute hospitals across the NHS, subject to future government funding. This initiative is crucial to a more responsive and patient-centred healthcare system.
Conclusion
Martha’s Rule represents a significant advancement in patient safety, driven by the courageous advocacy of Martha Mills' parents. By enabling urgent second opinions and fostering a culture of open communication, this initiative has the potential to save lives and transform the way the NHS responds to deteriorating patient conditions. As we reflect on the importance of this rule, we honour Martha’s legacy and commit to a future where such preventable tragedies are averted.
Together, we can make a difference in patient safety. Support Martha's Rule and join the movement towards transforming healthcare. Stay informed, spread awareness about this crucial initiative, and advocate for its implementation in hospitals nationwide. Together, we can prevent future tragedies and ensure every patient receives the care they deserve. Click here to learn more, and join us in empowering patients and transforming healthcare for the better.
About the author
Dr Richard Dune
With over 20 years of experience, Richard blends a rich background in NHS, the private sector, academia, and research settings. His forte lies in clinical R&D, advancing healthcare tech, workforce development and governance. His leadership ensures regulatory compliance and innovation align seamlessly.
