Martha's Rule
Introduction
In 2021 Martha Mills went into hospital after falling off her bike, which caused a pancreatic injury. She developed sepsis in hospital and later died. Martha’s families concerns about her deterioration were not responded to. A coroner later ruled that Martha’s death was avoidable, and that had she been moved to intensive care sooner she is likely to have survived.
As a result of this Martha’s Rule is being implemented. This means that all NHS staff and patients/their families must have 24/7 access to a rapid review from a different clinical team if they feel their current escalation is not being responded to. It also ensures that patients/ their families/ careers/ loved ones will be asked at least daily about if they are feeling better or worse, and if worse this will be acted upon in a structured way. Martha’s Rule will empower patients, families, careers and staff to ensure that their concerns are listened to and acted upon. This will improve the quality and safety of care for patients whose condition is worsening.
