28 February 2024
Many of you may have noticed news reports about ‘Martha’s Rule’, which is due to come into effect at around 100 hospitals across England from the beginning of April.
This is a welcome development, which should encourage a listening culture within hospital settings.
Martha Mills was a 13 year old girl (who didn’t have Down’s syndrome, but the rule bearing her name will apply to all patients) who very sadly died from the complications of sepsis following an injury she sustained while on holiday. Over many weeks in hospital her condition deteriorated and despite her parents’ increasing levels of concern, she wasn’t moved to a critical care bed. A serious incident review, following her death, concluded that, had this happened, she may have survived.
Martha’s parents have spent several years campaigning to bring about a change in the way in which patients (or their families) can quickly access a review by a specialist team called a Critical Outreach Team. These teams already exist in around 100 hospitals across England. Martha’s Rule will enable and encourage access to these teams by patients and their families, who can ask for an urgent review by the team, should they be concerned that something may have been missed or that an existing treatment programme is in some way inappropriate.
Will these be available to everyone? In a word, ‘no’, or at least, ‘not yet’.
From 1 April, Martha’s Rule will apply in around 100 English hospitals who have an existing Critical Outreach Team. There will be public information campaigns around these hospitals, publicising that this is available and how to request an urgent review. If in doubt, you can ask whether Martha’s Rule operates in a particular hospital where a loved one may be accessing treatment. It only applies where someone is receiving care in hospital and doesn’t cover outpatient or GP care.
Evaluation of the initial roll-out during 2024/25 will inform proposals for Martha’s Rule to be expanded across all acute hospitals, subject to government funding.
The new rule doesn’t apply in regions of the UK outside of England, but we are already working with a consortium of learning disability organisations asking Welsh Government what their intentions are in relation to this new initiative.
We will continue to share information as and when this becomes available.
Please remember our helpline is available Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm on 0333 12 12 300 and our team of Information Officers regularly provide information and support to families on health matters or who are concerned about a loved one in hospital.
