The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has announced plans to introduce “Martha’s rule” in hospitals across England, offering funding starting in April. This initiative aims to provide seriously ill patients with easy access to a second opinion if their condition deteriorates.
Initially, around two-thirds of hospitals, approximately 100 facilities, will have the opportunity to apply to participate in the scheme. The decision to implement “Martha’s rule” follows a heartfelt campaign led by the parents of Martha Mills, a 13-year-old who tragically passed away from sepsis due to missed symptoms.
Speaking to BBC, Martha’s mother Merope expressed her belief that this new system will not only save lives but also honor her daughter’s memory.
Under the proposed scheme, participating hospitals will receive government funding to promote awareness among patients and their families. Posters and leaflets will inform them of their right to seek a “rapid review” of treatment from a team of critical-care specialists. These reviews will be conducted by senior doctors or nurses specializing in the care of deteriorating patients, who will also formally document families’ observations of the patient’s condition or behavior.
In 2021, Martha was admitted to King’s College Hospital in south London after she met an accident and injured her pancreas after slipping onto the handlebars of her bike while cycling. Tragically, Martha later developed sepsis, a condition that an inquest determined could have been survivable with better care.
The introduction of “Martha’s rule” represents a significant step towards improving patient safety and ensuring that families feel empowered to advocate for their loved ones’ well-being.
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