Martha’s Rule: Detecting Deterioration
You know yourself or your loved one best.
If you think something is wrong or getting worse, please tell us. You can use Martha’s Rule to do this.
What is Martha’s Rule?
Martha’s Rule helps us notice when someone in hospital might be getting worse.
It gives you the right to ask for a quick check if you’re worried about yours or your loved one’s health.
You might see small changes before we do. These could be early signs that something is wrong.
In the past, we have run something which is similar to Martha's Rule. Its name was Call4Concern.
What do I do if I’m worried?
First, talk to the team looking after you or your loved one.
If you’re still worried and feel no one is listening, you can ask for a quick check. A special team will do this.
You can call:
- 0191 569 9199 for Sunderland Royal Hospital
- 0191 404 1195 for South Tyneside District Hospital
Your call will go to a team that specialises in the care of critically ill patients. They will work with the team looking after you or your loved one. This will be to arrange any treatment needed or a further review. The service is available 24 hours a day, every day.
What is the difference between Martha’s Rule and a second opinion?
Martha’s Rule means you can get an urgent review if yours or your loved one’s condition gets worse.
A second opinion is when you see another consultant to discuss a diagnosis or treatment.
Who Was Martha?
Martha Mills was 13 years old. She died in 2021 after getting very sick in hospital. She had suffered an injury after falling off her bike.
Her family told the doctors she was getting worse, but no one acted in time. A coroner later ruled she might have lived if she had been moved to intensive care earlier.
Click here for more information: NHS England - Martha's Rule
What should staff be doing to check patients?
In hospital, we check people’s health often. This includes their vital signs and other measurements. We look at things like heart rate, breathing and temperature.
How often we check depends on how sick the person is. Sometimes we might need to wake someone up to do these checks.
We also ask every day if the person feels better or worse.
