Martha’s Rule is a national NHS patient safety initiative designed to ensure that concerns about deterioration are listened to, escalated and reviewed in a timely way.
The initiative gives patients, relatives, carers and staff access to a rapid review process if they feel a patient’s condition is worsening and concerns raised with the clinical team have not been fully addressed.
Support through Martha’s Rule is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring concerns can be escalated at any time, day or night.
Information explaining how Martha’s Rule can be used is now available across Trust sites, including ward posters and patient information materials, helping patients and families understand what to do if they are worried about a patient’s condition.
Patients, carers and families are always encouraged to speak to the nurse in charge or clinical team first. However, Martha’s Rule provides an additional route to request an urgent review where concerns remain.
Dr Nick Mallaband, Chief Medical Officer at DBTH, said: “Martha’s Rule strengthens our commitment to listening and responding when patients, families and carers are worried about a patient’s condition.
“We know that those closest to a patient often notice important changes, and this initiative ensures there is a clear and timely way for concerns to be escalated and reviewed, day or night.
“At DBTH, we want everyone to feel confident that their concerns will be taken seriously and acted upon quickly, helping us to provide safe, responsive and compassionate care for all patients.”
Martha’s Rule is named in memory of Martha Mills, who died in 2021 aged 13 after developing sepsis while in hospital. The initiative has been introduced nationally by NHS England to strengthen the early recognition and escalation of deterioration.
Further information about Martha’s Rule, including how to request an urgent review at any time, is available on the Trust website and through information displayed across hospital wards and departments. Visit: www.dbth.nhs.uk/marthas-rule