You know yourself or your loved one better than anyone. If you’re worried about a health condition getting worse, talk to us.
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.
What is Martha's Rule?
We have introduced Martha’s Rule to help spot any unexpected signs of deterioration early. Martha’s Rule gives you the right to request a rapid review if you’re worried that you or your loved one’s condition is getting worse.
You may notice small changes before they show up in our routine measurements. These changes could be early warning signs of deterioration.
How we monitor patients
While someone is in hospital, we regularly check their blood pressure, temperature and other important health checks. In addition, we will ask at least daily if patients are feeling better or worse. This is to monitor any unexpected changes in their condition.
What to do if you're worried
- First, speak to the team caring for you or your loved one
- If, after speaking to the care team, you remain worried and feel your concerns are not being addressed, call for a rapid review on 01229 614300 (ext.34300 for internal calls). You must state that you are ringing with a “call for concern”.
Your call will go to a different team in our hospital. They will work with you and your loved one's care team to arrange any treatment needed or further review. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
When to use the service
- If a significant change in the patient’s conditions occurs
- If you feel that the healthcare team are not recognising your concern
- If you feel as though information about your condition is confusing and you would like some clarity
- If you continue to have ongoing concerns after you have spoken to the ward nurse or doctor
- If you are concerned about your child or a child on the paediatric ward and have already tried to raise concerns with the nurses and doctors on the ward.
Please be assured, using this service will not have a negative effect on a patient’s care in any way.
When to not use the service
This service should not be used to report issues or concerns regarding hospital bed/rooms, food, parking, visiting times, hospital cleanliness or any general issues. In those situations, please speak to the ward team.
It should also not be used for issues covered by the Patient Relations team who offer advice and support to informally resolve any concerns about care provided.
Difference between Martha’s Rule and second opinion
Martha’s Rule allows hospital inpatients and their families to seek a rapid review if their condition, or the condition of a loved one, is deteriorating.
A second opinion is when you would like to see another consultant to discuss any diagnosis or treatment.
About 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.