Sutton's King’s Mill Hospital is first in roll-out of Martha’s rule scheme

NHS England announced in May that 143 hospital sites will be taking part in the scheme initially, as part of a plan to improve patient safety.

Martha’s rule is named after 13-year-old Martha Mills, who died from sepsis in 2021 after her family had raised repeated concerns regarding her deteriorating condition.

An inquest later found she could have survived with better care.

When the scheme has been fully implemented in NHS hopsitals, patients, their families, staff and carers will be able to access a review by a separate care team if they are concerned about someone’s condition and concerned about the initial course of treatment.

Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust, which runs King’s Mill Hospital, between Sutton and Mansfield, has opted to be part of a first group of hospitals across the country to implement the scheme.

The trust is aiming to roll out the scheme by Autumn 2024.

A report to the trust’s board, discussed on Thursday, July 4, said: “The purpose of Martha’s Rule is to provide a consistent and understandable way for patients and families to seek an urgent review if their or their loved one’s condition deteriorates and they are concerned this is not being responded to.”

Nottingham’s hospitals are not involved in the initial expansion of the rule.

Around half of eligible hospitals in England are included in the first roll-out.

In a statement, Merope Mills and Paul Laity, Martha’s parents, said: “It will save lives and encourage better, more open, communication on hospital wards, so that patients feel they are listened to, and partners in their healthcare.”

Ms Mills began her campaign for Martha’s rule after Martha died of sepsis in 2021 having been treated at King’s College Hospital, south London.

She had injured her pancreas after slipping onto the handlebars of her bike while cycling. She died after developing an infection that led to sepsis.

The hospital later apologised for mistakes in her care.