Martha’s Rule is a patient safety initiative to support the early detection of deterioration by ensuring the concerns of patients, families, carers and staff are listened to and acted upon.
It has been developed in response to the death of Martha Mills and other cases related to the management of deterioration. Central to Martha’s Rule is the right for patients, families and carers to request a rapid review if they are worried that a patient’s condition is getting worse and their concerns are not being responded to.
You know yourself and your loved ones, better than anyone, and may be first to notice subtle changes that suggest your or their condition is deteriorating. Such as a change in behaviour, breathing, or responsiveness.
Martha’s Rule empowers you to take further action if you feel that your condition, or that of a loved one, is getting worse and you have already raised your concerns with the clinical team and feel these concerns have not been properly addressed.
Martha’s Rule enabled you to request an independent review and is available to all inpatients at George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust.
How to make a Martha’s Rule call
Step 1: Discuss your concerns with the doctor or nurse looking after the patient. Hopefully, they will see to your concern and help put your mind at ease, with no further action will be needed.
Step 2: If you are not satisfied with the response and are still concerned about a worsening condition, ask to speak with the nurse in charge of the ward or matron.
Step 3: If your concerns are not addressed, please request an independent review
under Martha’s Rule by calling switchboard 024 7635 1351 at George Eliot Hospital and requesting Martha's rule call for concern. Be ready to share the following details:
Name of patient
Name of ward
A brief description of the concern and what action has been taken so far
Your contact details and relationship to the patient
Our Critical Outreach Team will either answer or return your call, if you leave a message. Please let the team on the ward know that you have called the Martha’s Rule phone number.
When not to use Martha’s Rule
The Call for Concern line is only for concerns about clinical deterioration. It is not for general complaints, parking information, visiting times, cleanliness, or other non-clinical issues.
Concerns that fall outside the Critical Care Outreach Team’s scope will be signposted to the right service to ensure your issue is addressed and you receive the appropriate support.
If they are not able to resolve them, please use our Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS) 02476 865550.
PALS can provide information, advice and support to patients and relatives and will listen to and act on your concerns, suggestions or queries.
Difference between Martha’s Rule and second opinion
Martha’s Rule allows hospital inpatients and their families to seek a rapid review if their condition, or the condition of a loved one, is deteriorating.
A second opinion is when you would like to see another consultant to discuss any diagnosis or treatment.
What will happen after your call
If your call is non-clinical, our switchboard team will help direct you to the most appropriate department. If your call relates to a clinical concern or a worsening condition, it will be transferred to the Critical Care Outreach team so that one of our specialists can help.
The specialist may provide over the phone advice or, after prioritising the urgency of the problem, visit the ward to discuss your concerns further and assess the situation.
What to do if you have other concerns
If you are worried about things that are not related to your health or your family member’s health, like your experience in the hospital, or issues with food or parking, you can speak with the nurse in charge of the ward or contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).
