NHS to roll out ‘Martha’s Rule’

Advice and Information - 21 February 2024

NHS England has today announced the rollout of ‘Martha’s Rule’ in hospitals across England from April, enabling patients and families to seek an urgent review if their condition deteriorates.

The patient safety initiative, known as ‘Martha’s Rule’, is set to be rolled out to at least 100 NHS sites from April. It will give patients and their families round-the-clock access to a rapid review from an independent critical care team if they are worried about their or a loved one’s condition.

This escalation process will be available 24/7 to patients, families and NHS staff, and will be advertised throughout hospitals, making it quickly and easily accessible.

Evaluation of the initial roll-out from at least 100 trust sites during 2024/25 will inform proposals for 'Martha’s Rule' to be expanded further across all acute hospitals, subject to government funding.

NHS teams will also identify ways to roll out an adapted 'Martha’s Rule' model across other settings, including community and mental health hospitals, where the processes may not apply in the same way.

We have supported the implementation of 'Martha's Rule'.