NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard has unveiled the nationwide implementation of "Martha's Rule" across NHS hospitals in England, a policy designed to empower patients and their families with the ability to request an immediate reassessment of care if a patient's health worsens.


This policy, inspired by the tragic case of 13-year-old Martha Mills who passed away after her care needs were not escalated in time, will be introduced in over 100 NHS facilities, offering a 24/7 mechanism for seeking second opinions. The initiative aims to enhance the responsiveness to acute patient deterioration. Pritchard emphasises that swift clinical reviews could lead to quicker identification and treatment of critical conditions.

Dan Scorer of Mencap has praised the initiative, highlighting its potential to significantly improve care for individuals with learning disabilities, who face a higher risk of preventable mortality.

Martha’s parents, who have advocated for this change, stress the importance of incorporating family insights into patient care, arguing that it can be crucial in noticing changes that busy medical staff may overlook. The implementation of Martha’s Rule is seen as a vital step towards better healthcare outcomes, especially for vulnerable groups, by ensuring their conditions are promptly and effectively addressed.