NHS to introduce Martha's rule for hospital patients
What is the rule about?
The introduction of 'Martha's Rule' follows the powerful story of Merope Mills, the mother of a girl – Martha – who died of a preventable sepsis infection in hospital aged thirteen. She has described how families can find it difficult to be properly heard when their loved ones are seriously ill, sometimes with tragic and fatal consequences.
How will it help?
Patients can already request second opinions on their treatment, and most doctors respect these requests. However, the new rule proposed would shift the balance of power from medical discretion to the patient or their family being able to trigger a second opinion directly. Lives have already been saved in a pilot of this kind of system at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, and other countries already run similar schemes.
Implemented correctly, with clear communications to patients to notify them about their rights and increased focus on non-technical skills as part of medical training, the introduction of Martha's Rule would help to reassure patients and families and ultimately save lives in future.
Take 10 minutes to share your experience with us
If you have recently experienced any of the issues around Martha's Rule, and you feel able to share your story with us, you can complete our Have Your Say online form. Everything you share is anonymous and confidential.
We use your feedback and evidence to push NHS leaders in Milton Keynes to make improvements to health and care services.
Image credit: Jonathan Borber, Unsplash
