More than 400 lives have potentially been saved due to the implementation of Martha’s Rule, a program that allows patients within the NHS to request a review of their medical care. Official figures indicate that the helplines associated with this initiative received over 10,000 calls within its first 16 months following its introduction in England in September 2024. These calls have led to significant changes in patient care, including transfers to intensive care units and essential medication adjustments.
The rule is named after Martha Mills, a 13-year-old girl who tragically died from sepsis following a bicycle accident in 2021. A coroner found that her chances of survival would have been greater had she been moved to the intensive care unit at King’s College Hospital in London when her condition began to worsen.
According to data reviewed by NHS England, a total of 10,119 calls were made from September 2024 to December 2025 by patients, relatives, or staff concerned about care. This resulted in 446 individuals receiving improvements in their treatment that may have been life-saving. The data revealed that approximately one in three calls, or 3,457, highlighted a rapid deterioration in a patient’s condition, prompting quicker interventions. Additionally, 1,885 patients experienced changes in their treatment due to these alerts.
Significantly, around 6,000 calls addressed various concerns related to clinical care, communication, or coordination, leading to what health officials describe as “meaningful improvements” in care. These statistics underscore the initiative’s impact on enhancing patient safety and family involvement in healthcare decisions.
The introduction of Martha’s Rule was largely influenced by the advocacy of her parents, Merope Mills and Paul Laity, who shared the harrowing story of their daughter’s experience. Martha would have celebrated her 18th birthday last September had she lived.
Merope Mills, now a senior editor at the Guardian, expressed optimism about the program’s effectiveness, stating, “The more data that is gathered, the clearer it becomes that Martha’s rule is having a hugely positive effect. Apart from the lives saved, over a third of the calls have led to a marked improvement in care.” She also emphasized that the process is not being overused, highlighting its necessity in empowering patients and families.
The framework of Martha’s Rule enables patients, their families, and NHS staff to request an external review of care by a different medical team. Hospitals participating in the program offer 24/7 access to a specialized critical care team, trained to assess deteriorating patients and recommend necessary changes.
Aidan Fowler, the director of patient safety at NHS England, commented on the initiative’s transformative potential, saying, “Martha’s rule is already helping to save lives and transform the culture of the NHS. These figures show that Merope and Paul’s tireless campaigning and the hard work of staff are helping the NHS listen to families more effectively.”
In response to the data, Wes Streeting, the health secretary, praised the efforts of Mills and Laity, stating that they had turned “unimaginable grief” into “lasting change.” He affirmed the importance of Martha’s Rule in ensuring that the NHS listens to patients and their families during critical moments. Streeting expressed his commitment to expanding the initiative, particularly in maternity wards, as part of a broader strategy to prioritize patient safety within the NHS.
Martha’s Rule is currently operational in all acute hospitals across England, marking a significant step forward in patient advocacy and safety.
