Martha’s parents said they hope the formalization of the emergency review process will save lives. At least 100 NHS trusts in England are expected to be the first to introduce it.
Wednesday 21 February 2024 02:53, UK
In the UK, the NHS has introduced the Martha’s Rule, which will allow patients and their families to request a rapid second opinion from April if they are concerned that their condition is worsening.
The escalation process initiates an emergency review by another critical care team within the hospital, available 24/7.
It can be used when a patient’s condition is rapidly deteriorating and the patient or their family feels they are not receiving the care they need.
The new process follows the death of 13-year-old Martha Mills in 2021 after developing sepsis while in the care of King’s College Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in London.
Her parents, who were campaigning for the change, said they wanted the change to be implemented “as quickly and broadly as possible” and said at least 100 people had taken part. NHS Trusts are expected to be the first to introduce the rules.
“We believe Martha’s Rules will save lives,” Merope Mills and her husband, Paul Ratey, said in a statement.
“When symptoms worsen, family members and caregivers at the bedside can notice changes that busy clinicians may not notice, and their knowledge should be recognized as a resource.
“We’re also looking to Martha’s Rule to change the culture of medicine. It empowers patients a little more, encourages them to listen to medical experts, and encourages even the greatest doctors to be challenged.” It’s about normalizing the idea that things should be welcomed.”
Martha was on holiday in Wales when she fell off her bike and injured her pancreas and was undergoing treatment.
The inquest heard that several opportunities to refer her to intensive care were missed and that she likely could have been saved had doctors discovered her rapid deterioration sooner.
At one point, Martha began bleeding profusely through the tubes inserted into her arm and through the drainage tube, and also developed a rash.
Her mother raised concerns to staff that her daughter might go into septic shock over the bank holiday weekend.
One of the trust’s intensive care doctors told the inquest that had he examined her, he “100%” would have admitted her.
The trust, a specialist referral center for children with pancreatic disease, has apologized.
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The plan is to expand Martha’s Rule to all acute care hospitals with federal funding and evaluate the program this year and next.
NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said the scheme had the potential to “save many lives in the future”, while Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said it would “significantly increase patient safety”. ” he said.
“The introduction of Martha’s Rule starting in April will put families at the center of patients’ own care and recognize their important role in their loved one’s care,” Atkins said.
Martha’s parents said their daughter’s death was “an avoidable death, but Martha’s rule would mean her death was not entirely in vain.”