Martha’s Rule rolled out at every A&E department in England

The NHS has committed to expanding Martha’s Rule to A&E departments, meaning that patients or family members can demand a review of a patient’s care if a patient is deteriorating and they are concerned this is not being taken on board.

Named for Martha Mills, who died from sepsis which was not treated quickly despite concerns from her family, Martha’s Rule is already being rolled out in inpatient wards.

Prof Aidan Fowler, national director of patient safety at NHS England, said the expansion of Martha’s Rule would give families and NHS staff “a critical new lifeline” to help improve care and save more lives.

Martha’s Rule is expected to be rolled out in all A&E departments by March 2028.