Martha’s Rule was introduced following the tragic death of 13-year-old Martha Mills in 2021. After sustaining a pancreatic injury in a cycling accident, Martha was admitted to King’s College Hospital in London. While under their care, she developed sepsis. Despite her family repeatedly raising concerns about her deteriorating condition, insufficient action was taken by the hospital to avoid her death.
Her parents campaigned tirelessly, and their efforts led to significant changes in how parents and families can quickly access a Critical Care Outreach team.
This means that if you believe that you or a loved one’s care plan isn’t right or the person's condition is deteriorating, you can call for an independent rapid review by a different clinical team.
As of 4th September 2025, Martha’s Rule is in place in all 210 acute hospitals in England.
This nationwide rollout will give patients and families the right to an urgent second opinion for patient deterioration and has the potential to prevent future negligence by ensuring concerns are heard and acted upon.
The consequences of clinical negligence can be devastating, and this must be seen as a positive development, carrying the hope that the possibility of similar future tragedies can be averted.
Early data highlights that Martha’s rule is already having a transformative effect, with several calls having been made, and urgent reviews have been carried out by critical care staff in about 50% of cases.
Discover how Box Legal’s clinical negligence ATE policy safeguards claimants by covering all necessary legal costs and disbursements. Contact us today for expert assistance.
If you would like to speak to us or obtain further information, then please call 0870 766 9997, or email info@boxlegal.co.uk.
