Marthas rule background
In the summer of 2021, 13-year-old Martha Mills fell off her bike, injuring her pancreas. Martha was admitted to kings college Hospital (KCH) in London, where she was under the care of the paediatric liver team. She remained on the ward as her condition deteriorated.
Martha’s family raised concerns about her deteriorating condition, but their pleas for urgent medical attention were repeatedly dismissed. Tragically, Martha passed away, and a subsequent investigation revealed a series of missed opportunities to intervene and save her life. Martha died of septic shock on 31 August 2021, a few days before her 14th birthday.
Identifying the Problem
Martha’s case exposed a systemic issue where patients and their families were unable to escalate concerns about deteriorating conditions effectively. This lack of a clear escalation process often led to delays in treatment and, in some cases, preventable deaths.
Martha’s Rule
In response to Martha’s tragic death, NHS England introduced “Martha’s Rule,” a groundbreaking patient safety initiative aimed at empowering patients, their families, and healthcare staff to ensure timely and appropriate care.
What is Martha’s Rule?
Martha’s Rule provides a clear pathway for patients, their families, and healthcare staff to escalate concerns about a deteriorating patient’s condition. It ensures that anyone worried about a patient’s health can request an urgent review by a critical care outreach team, even if the current care team disagrees. The critical care outreach team will assess the patient’s condition and recommend necessary interventions.
Who Does Martha’s Rule Apply To?
Martha’s Rule applies to all patients in NHS hospitals in England. It empowers:
- Patients themselves
- Families and carers
- Healthcare staff
When Was Martha’s Rule Introduced?
Martha’s Rule was introduced in April 2024, marking a significant step forward in patient safety.
A Step Towards Safer Care
Martha’s Rule represents a crucial step towards improving patient safety and preventing avoidable tragedies. By empowering patients and their families to advocate for timely care.