Martha’s Rule, introduced in NHS hospitals across England, is already saving lives, according to Merope Mills, whose daughter Martha died from sepsis in 2021. The rule allows patients and families to request a second opinion if concerns about a patient’s deteriorating condition are not being addressed. In its first two months, the initiative led to 14 patients being moved to intensive care and numerous other life-saving interventions.
Early data shows that 1 in 5 of the 573 calls made in September and October resulted in changes to patient care, including treatments such as antibiotics and oxygen. Family members initiated 76% of the calls, with patients making 15% and NHS staff 9%. Around half of the calls prompted urgent clinical reviews for acute deterioration.
The initiative is being trialled in 143 hospitals, with evidence dispelling initial scepticism about misuse of the process. NHS England’s national medical director, Sir Stephen Powis, described Martha’s Rule as a transformative change in patient care. The pilot runs until 2025, with potential plans to expand it to remaining hospitals and other healthcare settings.