What is Martha's rule and how does it help NHS patients?

Martha's rule is a patient safety initiative in England that allows patients, their loved ones, or staff to request a review of care by a separate medical team, potentially leading to life-saving interventions.

How many lives has Martha's rule potentially saved in the NHS?

Official figures suggest that Martha's rule has potentially saved over 400 lives since its introduction in England in 2024.

When was Martha's rule introduced and why is it named Martha's rule?

Martha's rule was introduced in England in 2024 and is named after Martha Mills, a 13-year-old who died from sepsis in 2021, with a coroner finding she might have survived with timely intensive care.

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Martha's Rule: Saving Lives in the NHS

8 Mar

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Summary

Over 400 lives may have been saved by Martha's rule since 2024.
The system allows patients to request a care review, leading to 1,885 treatment changes.
Named after Martha Mills, 13, who died from sepsis in 2021.

Martha's rule, introduced in England in 2024, is credited with potentially saving over 400 lives. The patient safety initiative allows patients, their families, or staff to request a review of care by a separate medical team.

Official figures show that helplines received 10,119 calls between September 2024 and December 2025. These calls resulted in 446 individuals receiving life-saving improvements to their care. Approximately one in three calls highlighted a rapid worsening of a patient's condition, enabling timely interventions.

In total, 1,885 patients had their treatment modified due to these reviews. An additional 6,000 calls addressed clinical, communication, or coordination issues, leading to significant improvements in patient care and navigation of the healthcare system.

The system is named after Martha Mills, a 13-year-old who died from sepsis in 2021. A coroner's report indicated she likely would have survived if transferred to intensive care sooner. Her parents' advocacy was instrumental in establishing Martha's rule, which is now active in all acute hospitals across England.

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