Martha’s Rule
Martha’s Rule is a patient safety initiative to support the early detection of deterioration by ensuring the concerns of patients, families, carers and staff are listened to and acted upon.
It has been developed in response to the death of Martha Mills and other cases related to the management of deterioration. Central to Martha’s Rule is the right for patients, families and carers to request a rapid review if they are worried that a patient’s condition is getting worse and their concerns are not being responded to.
NHS trusts are working hard to put Martha’s Rule in place in all acute inpatient settings. While it is not available everywhere yet, implementation in these settings is expected to be complete during 2026/27. More details are available in the Implementing Martha’s Rule section below.
If you or a person you care for are admitted to hospital, you can check whether Martha’s Rule is available by:
visiting the trust’s website
asking staff on the ward
What is Martha’s Rule?
Martha’s Rule recognises that those who know the patient best may be the first to notice changes that could be an early sign of deterioration, and the importance of listening to and acting on the concerns of patients, families and carers. It is being implemented in both adult and children’s inpatient settings in England.
It has been developed in response to the death of Martha Mills and other cases related to the management of deterioration. Central to Martha’s Rule is the right for patients, families and carers to request a rapid review if they are worried that a patient’s condition is getting worse and their concerns are not being responded to.
NHS trusts are working hard to put Martha’s Rule in place in all acute inpatient settings. While it is not available everywhere yet, implementation in these settings is expected to be complete during 2026/27. More details are available in the Implementing Martha’s Rule section below.
If you or a person you care for are admitted to hospital, you can check whether Martha’s Rule is available by:
visiting the trust’s website
asking staff on the ward
What is Martha’s Rule?
Martha’s Rule recognises that those who know the patient best may be the first to notice changes that could be an early sign of deterioration, and the importance of listening to and acting on the concerns of patients, families and carers. It is being implemented in both adult and children’s inpatient settings in England.
For full details about Martha's Rule then visit the NHS England Website Click Here
