More than 400 lives have potentially been saved in England due to the implementation of Martha’s Rule, a patient safety initiative that empowers National Health Service (NHS) patients to request a review of their care. Official data reveals that during the first 16 months following the scheme’s launch in September 2024, helplines received over 10,000 calls from patients, their families, and healthcare staff expressing concerns about patient care.
The initiative is named after Martha Mills, a 13-year-old girl who tragically died in 2021 from sepsis following a bicycle accident. A coroner’s investigation indicated that Martha might have survived if she had been transferred to an intensive care unit at King’s College Hospital in London when her condition began to deteriorate. The introduction of this rule has since facilitated critical changes in patient care across the NHS.
Between September 2024 and December 2025, the Martha’s Rule helplines documented a total of 10,119 calls. These calls led to 446 patients receiving adjustments to their treatment that may have saved their lives. Remarkably, one in three calls identified a rapid decline in a patient’s health, allowing healthcare teams to respond promptly and implement essential interventions. The data from NHS England indicates that 1,885 patients had their treatment modified as a direct result of these calls.
In addition to addressing urgent medical concerns, approximately 6,000 calls focused on issues related to clinical communication and coordination. Health officials noted that these inquiries resulted in “meaningful improvements” in patient care and assisted families in navigating the healthcare system more effectively.
The initiative has emerged from the advocacy of Martha’s parents, Merope Mills and Paul Laity, who have shared their daughter’s story to encourage change. Martha would have celebrated her 18th birthday in September 2023 had she survived. Merope Mills, a senior editor at the Guardian, expressed optimism regarding the impact of the rule, stating, “The more data that is gathered, the clearer it becomes that Martha’s Rule is having a hugely positive effect.”
Transforming Patient Care
The framework of Martha’s Rule allows patients, their relatives, and NHS staff to request an evaluation from a different medical team regarding the care being provided. Hospitals participating in the program offer continuous access to a dedicated critical care team, consisting of doctors and nurses experienced in managing deteriorating patients. This team can assess situations at any time, ensuring that urgent care needs are addressed swiftly.
Aidan Fowler, NHS England’s Director of Patient Safety, highlighted the initiative’s significance, stating, “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.”
Responding to the impact of the data, Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, remarked on the emotional toll of Martha’s story and the resulting change it has prompted. “Martha’s Rule is making sure the NHS listens to patients and their families when it matters most, with each call potentially resulting in a life-saving intervention,” he stated. Streeting expressed a commitment to expanding the initiative to maternity wards, underscoring a broader plan to prioritize patient safety within the NHS.
Martha’s Rule is a significant step towards enhancing patient agency within the NHS and ensuring that families feel empowered to voice concerns about medical care. The initiative is now operational in every acute hospital across England, promising to create a safer environment for patients and improve overall healthcare outcomes.
