Martha’s Rule: Giving Patients and Families a Stronger Voice

In September 2021, 13-year-old Martha Mills tragically died from sepsis in hospital. Despite her parents’ repeated concerns about her deteriorating condition, their voices were not acted upon. An inquest later concluded that if Martha had been moved to intensive care sooner, she might have survived.

Martha’s story struck a powerful chord with families across the UK — highlighting how patients and relatives can feel powerless when their worries are dismissed. In response, the NHS has now introduced Martha’s Rule, a system designed to give patients and families a direct way to request an urgent second opinion if they believe their concerns are not being heard.

Martha's rule

What is Martha’s Rule?

Martha’s Rule is being rolled out across every acute hospital in England from 2024. It provides:

• A 24/7 access point for patients and families to call for a rapid review by a critical care team.

• Clear information on wards so patients and relatives know how to activate the process.

• A guarantee that concerns will be taken seriously, assessed quickly, and acted upon.

This approach is not about undermining doctors or nurses. It is about empowering patients and families to speak up and ensuring their voices lead to timely action.

Why does it matter?

For people with complex or poorly understood conditions — the very communities Forgotten Patients represents — Martha’s Rule is especially important. Many patients with rare diseases, chronic illness, or medically unexplained symptoms are used to being disbelieved or overlooked. This initiative acknowledges that families are often the first to notice subtle changes that could signal something serious.

Martha’s Rule also reflects a wider cultural shift in healthcare: moving from a paternalistic model to one that values partnership, listening, and shared decision-making.

Challenges ahead

Like any new system, Martha’s Rule will require training, resources, and culture change to succeed. Hospitals must ensure:

• Staff respond to calls promptly and with respect.

• Patients and families feel safe raising concerns without fear of being labelled “difficult.”

• Data is collected to monitor whether Martha’s Rule prevents avoidable harm.

  
  

A lasting legacy

Martha’s Rule is a legacy born out of tragedy. Martha’s parents, Merope Mills and Paul Laity, fought tirelessly to make sure no other family experiences the same silence and loss they endured. Their campaign has already changed the NHS — and will, we hope, save countless lives.

At Forgotten Patients, we believe Martha’s Rule is a powerful reminder that patients and families are not passive bystanders in healthcare. They are partners, advocates, and — sometimes — lifesavers. Listening to them is not optional. It is essential.

👉 Have you ever felt your concerns were dismissed in healthcare? We’d like to hear from you. Sharing your story helps us raise awareness and push for change. Please get in touch with us [insert contact link/email].