Martha Mills
Martha Mills died in 2021 after developing sepsis in hospital, where she had been admitted with a pancreatic injury after falling off her bike. Martha’s family’s concerns about her deteriorating condition were not responded to, and in 2023 a coroner ruled that Martha, aged 13, would probably have survived had she been moved to intensive care earlier.
How we monitor patients in hospital
While someone is in hospital, we regularly check their vital signs and other important health measurements. The frequency of these checks will depend on the patient’s individual condition and needs. Sometimes we may need to wake patients to do these checks.
In addition, as part of Martha’s Rule, we will also be asking at least daily if patients in hospital are feeling better or worse. This is to monitor any unexpected changes in their condition because they may notice small changes before they show up in our routine measurements, these changes could be early warning signs of deterioration. This process is being rolled out across inpatient areas from June 2026.
What is Martha’s Rule?
Martha’s Rule is there to help spot any unexpected signs of deterioration early. If you or a loved one are in hospital, it gives you the right to request a review from an independent team if you’re worried that you or your loved one’s condition is actively getting worse and you are not being listened to.
What to do if you’re worried:
1. First, speak to the nurse, doctor or ward manager caring for you or your loved one and tell them you are worried and feel something is wrong.
2. If, after speaking to the care team, you remain worried and feel your concerns are not being heard, you will be able to call the hospitals Martha’s Rule number to request a review.
Your call will go directly to a different team in our hospital, a team who specialise in the care of critically ill patients. They will work with you or your loved one’s care team to arrange any treatment needed or further review.
The service will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Martha’s Rule number at HDFT
To ensure Martha’s Rule is implemented effectively, it is being rolled out gradually across HDFT, therefore the number is not quite up and running yet. This will be ready for use in inpatient settings by December.
Our commitment
We will regularly ask for your views and take your concerns seriously. We see you as a partner in the care we are providing and want you to raise any worries and concerns you may have.
Difference between Martha’s Rule and second opinion
Martha’s Rule is not the same as asking for a second opinion. It is specifically for when you believe a condition is actively deteriorating and you feel your concerns are not being responded to.
A second opinion is a different process when you would like to see another consultant to get their view on a diagnosis or treatment plan.
Raising a concern or complaint about something else
- There is a separate process in place if you wish to discuss concerns or complaints with any of the following:
- Parking
- Visiting times
- Hospital food or hospital cleanliness
- Complaints
- Any other general issues
These queries can be discussed with the care team looking after the patient or the Trust’s Patient Experience Team.
Martha’s Rule in Maternity and Emergency Department
Martha’s Rule is currently being introduced in inpatient services only, but the ambition is to roll it out to maternity, neonatal and emergency departments, the timeline for this will follow NHS England guidance.