The UK government has confirmed that Martha’s Rule—a patient safety initiative named after 13-year-old Martha Mills, who died from sepsis complications in 2021—will now be implemented across all acute hospitals in England following evidence that it has already saved hundreds of lives.
The policy allows patients and their families to directly request an urgent second medical opinion if they feel their concerns are not being adequately addressed by hospital staff.
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said on Thursday that the nationwide rollout marks “a transformative step in empowering patients and families, ensuring they are listened to when it matters most.”
Early trials of Martha’s Rule in several NHS trusts showed that families were able to escalate concerns promptly, leading to quicker interventions and, according to officials, hundreds of lives saved in recent months.
Martha’s parents, Merope Mills and Paul Laity, welcomed the decision, saying they hoped no family would have to experience the tragedy they endured.
“We are proud that Martha’s memory is driving such meaningful change in the NHS,” they said in a statement.
Medical experts believe the rule could also ease tensions between hospital staff and patients by formalising a pathway for escalation, rather than leaving families feeling helpless in critical moments.
The NHS has committed to training staff and raising public awareness of the scheme as it is embedded nationwide.