Martha's Rule Allows NHS Patients and Families to Request Urgent Second Opinions

1-Minute Brief

Martha's Rule is being credited with improving patient safety by enabling rapid escalation of care in NHS hospitals.

Key Facts

• Martha's Rule began a phased rollout two years ago and is now advertised throughout NHS hospitals.
• More than 1,700 calls have been made to Martha's Rule helplines by NHS staff concerned about patient conditions.
• The scheme allows patients, families, or staff to formally request a second opinion if they fear a patient's condition is worsening.
• According to the health secretary, more than 500 people in England have received potentially life-saving care through Martha's Rule since 2024.
• The rule provides 24/7 access for families to trigger a review process for hospital patients.

What Happened

Martha's Rule, a patient safety mechanism in NHS hospitals, enables patients, families, or staff to request urgent second opinions and escalate care if concerns arise about a patient's condition.

Why It Matters

The implementation of Martha's Rule is reported to have led to hundreds of patients receiving potentially life-saving interventions, highlighting its impact on hospital safety and patient advocacy.

What's Next

The phased rollout of Martha's Rule is ongoing, with continued monitoring of its effectiveness and possible expansion to additional hospitals.