Hundreds of patients have already used Martha’s Rule

LocalHealth & Fitness
5 Sep 2025 • 12:51 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Martha's Rule, a crucial patient safety initiative, is being rolled out across every acute hospital in England.
  • The rule was established following the tragic death of 13-year-old Martha Mills in 2021, whose parents' concerns about her deteriorating condition were reportedly dismissed.
  • It empowers patients, their families, and hospital staff to seek an urgent second clinical opinion from a different medical team if they are worried about a patient's condition or care.
  • Between September 2024 and June 2025, 4,906 calls were made to Martha's Rule helplines, with 720 leading to changes in patient care and many others addressing clinical or communication concerns.
  • Martha's parents and Health Secretary Wes Streeting have lauded the initiative, stating it is already saving lives and prioritising patient safety within the NHS.

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