Martha’s rule may have saved more than 500 lives in England since 2024
Martha's rule, implemented in England in 2024, has contributed to 524 patients receiving potentially life-saving care after concerns led to rapid clinical reviews. Named after 13-year-old Martha Mills, who died in 2021 after her deterioration was overlooked, the rule allows patients, families, or staff to request an urgent second opinion. Health secretary Wes Streeting and patient safety advocates say the initiative is having a significant, positive impact on hospital care and patient outcomes.
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Martha Mills died aged 13 in 2021 after her family’s concerns that she was deteriorating went unheeded by staff. Photograph: Mills/Laity family photograph/PAView image in fullscreenMartha Mills died aged 13 in 2021 after her family’s concerns that she was deteriorating went unheeded by staff. Photograph: Mills/Laity family photograph/PANHSMartha’s rule may have saved more than 500 lives in England since 2024Patient safety mechanism which gives patients the right to seek a second opinion having ‘lifesaving impact’, says health secretary ‘I am invoking Martha’s rule’: how a woman saved her father from near death in hospital Denis Campbell Health policy editorThu 30 Apr 2026 19.00 EDTLast modified on Thu 30 Apr 2026 19.11 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleMore than 500 people have…
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