NHS Staff Utilise Martha's Rule Helplines for Acute Deterioration

The implementation of Martha's Rule patient safety measures is showing significant impact. More than 1,000 NHS staff have utilised dedicated helplines. These calls aim to identify and respond to acute patient deterioration.

Martha's Rule Patient Safety Initiative Expands

New figures from NHS England show widespread staff engagement. Between September 2024 and February 2026, 1,781 calls were made by hospital staff. These calls were to Martha’s Rule helplines at their trusts. Their purpose was to trigger rapid care reviews.

Notably, 1,080 of these staff calls, representing 61%, led to the identification of acute patient deterioration. This highlights the initiative's effectiveness in early intervention. NHS England continues to expand this lifesaving scheme. It will cover all acute adult and paediatric inpatient services across the country.

Professor Aidan Fowler, National Director of Patient Safety at NHS England, commented on the findings. He stated: “It’s really encouraging that more than 1000 staff have used Martha’s Rule to help flag rapid deterioration in patents as we continue to roll out this lifesaving scheme.” This underscores the positive early results.

Evaluation Informs Ongoing Rollout

An interim evaluation report published today provides further insight. It suggests that around 1 in 3 (32%) of the public are already aware of Martha’s Rule. This awareness is largely due to the campaigning efforts of Martha’s parents, Merope Mills and Paul Laity. The report, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), examined three early-adopting hospital sites.

Patients, families, and staff expressed positive views. They felt Martha’s Rule amplified their voices regarding deterioration concerns. It also promoted collaborative care within hospital settings. The evaluation identified areas for improvement, however.

These include the consistent use of patient wellness questionnaires. Better communication with patients after a Martha’s Rule trigger is also needed. The research highlighted access barriers for vulnerable groups. These include isolated individuals, young people without guardians, and those with cognitive impairments or language challenges.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting affirmed the rule’s importance. He said: “Martha’s Rule is already having a lifesaving impact, and these figures show the real difference it is making to NHS staff, patients and families across the country.” He added that the early research also indicates more work is required to ensure universal access.

Overall, more than 12,000 calls were made to Martha’s Rule helplines in the first 18 months. These calls came from staff, patients, and families. 4,047 of these calls identified acute deterioration. This resulted in 2,310 patients receiving changes in treatment. A significant 524 of these interventions were potentially life-saving.

Martha Mills’ parents, Merope and Paul, welcomed the figures. They stated: “It is hugely encouraging for us that a thousand clinically trained staff have already used Martha's Rule. This is also clear evidence that issues such as hierarchy, poor communication and some doctors' resistance to being challenged affect hospital care every day.” Martha Mills died in 2021, aged 13, after her family's concerns about her deteriorating condition were not acted upon.

The ongoing national evaluation by NIHR will further refine the system. Professor Lucy Chappell, NIHR Chief Executive, emphasised the importance of such evaluations. She noted they are "vital to ensure lifesaving initiatives like Martha’s Rule work effectively for everyone." The goal is a safer, more equitable culture of care for every patient.

OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION: This report is based on official clinical data from NHS England. Document: 1,000 NHS staff call Martha’s Rule helplines in first 18 months Source Link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2026/05/1000-nhs-staff-call-marthas-rule-helplines-in-first-18-months/

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