The critical care team at The Royal Oldham Hospital has launched Martha’s Rule, a patient safety initiative that allows patients, families, carers, and colleagues to raise concerns about a patient’s deterioration.
The launch is part of an NHS England pilot that will see learnings form part of the national roll-out. The initiative was created in response to the death of Martha Mills, after her family expressed concerns about her decline and were not heard.
Redmond Tully, The Royal Oldham Hospital clinical director for intensive care medicine and lead for Martha’s Rule said: “We are proud to be a pilot site for Martha’s Rule so that we can deliver the most reliable care to our patients. It is important that we listen to any concerns regarding care from those who know the patient the best. We can then take action to ensure that they get the best possible outcome.
“As part of the launch of Martha’s Rule at Oldham we are raising awareness of how concerns can be escalated. We have a HELPline available for patients, families and carers and how to access this is visible at the hospital.
“Staff have also been briefed on the process and how they too can raise any concerns about a patient’s condition outside.”
Any cases escalated, will be reviewed by an independent critical care outreach team.
