Martha’s rule may have saved more than 500 lives in England since 2024
Summary
Martha’s rule, started in England in 2024, allows hospital patients, their families, or staff to ask for a quick second medical review if they worry about care. Since it began, over 500 people received urgent treatment after concerns were raised, potentially saving their lives.Key Facts
- Martha’s rule lets patients, relatives, or hospital staff call a helpline for a fast review of care.
- Between September 2024 and February 2026, 524 people were moved to intensive or specialist care after using the rule.
- The rule is named after Martha Mills, a 13-year-old who died in 2021 after her family's worries were ignored.
- Martha’s parents campaigned for the rule to allow a different medical team to review a patient’s treatment.
- NHS data shows 12,301 calls were made to the helpline in 18 months; about one-third identified worsening health.
- Most calls came from patients or their carers, while hospital staff made about 1,080 calls.
- Awareness of Martha’s rule is higher among people with more education.
- The rule aims to improve hospital culture by encouraging staff to speak up and take responsibility for patient safety.
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