Four hospitals in Black Country will be the first to test Marha’s Rule

New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, Manor Hospital, Walsall, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley and Sandwell General Hospital, West Bromwich, are among 143 hospitals to trial Martha’s Rule.

Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Birmingham Children’s Hospital are also part of what the NHS is calling “a major patient safety initiative”.

This first phase of the program will be implemented in 143 locations across the country by March 2025.

The rule is named after Martha Mills, who died of sepsis aged 13 in 2021 after being treated at King’s College Hospital, London, due to a failure to escalate her to intensive care and after her family’s concerns with regarding the deterioration of her condition did not receive a response to .

Martha’s Rule must be made up of three components to ensure that impairment concerns can be responded to quickly.

Merope Mills and Paul Laity, Martha’s parents, said: “We are delighted that the launch of Martha’s Rule has got off to a flying start and that its need has been so widely recognised.

“It will save lives and encourage better and more open communication on hospital wards so patients feel listened to and partners in healthcare.”

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS National Medical Director, said: “The extension of Martha’s Rule to over 143 NHS sites in this first phase will represent one of the most significant changes to patient care in recent years and we are delighted to have seen such an interest. from hospitals all over the country, all thanks to the emotional and dedicated campaign of Martha’s parents, Merope and Paul.

“That’s why today is such an important milestone, with the NHS highlighting the 143 sites where this major patient safety initiative will be launched later this year, enabling staff, patients and families to immediately raise their concerns and causes an escalation of care in a recognizable and rapid way.”

He added: “Incorporating daily information from families about the condition of their loved ones into patient records is also a really significant step and will help staff to identify changes and deterioration using information from those who know the patient best. While the need to escalate care will hopefully only be necessary in a limited number of cases, this three-step safety net has the opportunity to truly transform patient care and safety.”

NHS National Director of Patient Safety and Chief Officer Responsible for Martha’s Rules, Dr Aidan Fowler, said: “Having worked closely with Martha’s parents and NHS colleagues over the last few months on this launch, I have no doubt that this program will brings clear changes. and it was so encouraging to see how many hospitals showed interest in being a part of these important patient safety measures this year.”