NHS announces 143 hospitals to trial Martha’s Rule in first phase
The NHS has recently announced the 143 hospital sites that will trial Martha’s Rule in its first phase. Trainee Solicitor in the clinical negligence team, Starr Thompson, takes us through what Martha’s Rule is and how it will help patients and their loved ones advocate for treatment, should their condition worsen.
What is Martha’s Rule?
Martha’s Rule is a new NHS initiative designed to empower patients and families when their concerns are not being addressed.
It is named after 13-year-old Martha Mills who tragically died from undiagnosed sepsis in 2021 at the King’s College Hospital, London despite her parents’ raising serious concerns several times about her deteriorating condition. In 2023 a coroner ruled that Martha would probably have survived had she been moved to intensive care earlier.
How will Martha’s Rule help patients?
It is an escalation process that gives patients, families, carers and NHS staff 24/7 the legal right to access a second opinion from a separate critical care outreach team if they think their condition, or that a loved one, is deteriorating and their concerns are being ignored.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition and occurs when the body’s immune system responds abnormally to an infection, which can lead to tissues damage, organ failure and death. Sepsis can affect anyone, but it is most common in very young children, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions.
With swift diagnosis, sepsis is usually highly treatable. A patient should receive antibiotics within one hour of arriving at hospital. Recognising and acting on symptoms is key.
What are the symptoms of sepsis?
The UK Sepsis Trust has developed an acronym to help spot the signs of sepsis in adults:
Slurred speech or confusion
Extreme shivering or muscle pain
Passing no urine (in a day)
Severe breathlessness
It feels like you’re going to die
Skin mottled or discoloured
What complications can arise?
The UK Sepsis Trust reports that around 48,000 deaths are attributed to sepsis annually in the UK. Approximately 25% of these deaths are preventable with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
However, if there are delays in diagnosis and treatment of sepsis and the condition worsens the consequences can be severe. If sepsis is not treated early, it can turn into septic shock and cause organ failure, which is life threatening.
Medical negligence claim for sepsis
NHS Resolution reports that sepsis is among the three most common cases brought against the NHS. Claims relating to sepsis are often because of failings in diagnosis or treatment.
If you think that you or a loved one has been injured as a result of medical negligence associated with a delay in diagnosing and treating sepsis, then you may be able to make a claim. Get in touch with a member of the team on 033 3344 9613 or email [email protected].
Author: Starr Thompson, clinical negligence.
