Martha’s Rule A&E backed by Tom Hayes MP for nationwide rollout
Tom Hayes MP welcomes the expansion of Martha’s Rule to all A&E departments in England, a vital safety measure giving patients and families a stronger voice in emergency care.
Tom Hayes MP Welcomes Martha’s Rule A&E Expansion Across England
A safety measure aimed at giving patients a stronger voice in emergency care, known as Martha’s Rule A&E, is set to be introduced across all Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments in England. This important development ensures that concerns about a patient’s deteriorating condition are heard and acted upon promptly. It helps to prevent avoidable harm in emergency settings.
What is Martha’s Rule?
Martha’s Rule is a protocol that allows patients, their families, or hospital staff to call a dedicated phone line if they feel a patient’s worsening condition is not being adequately addressed. Originally implemented on inpatient wards, this rule empowers individuals to raise urgent concerns directly to senior clinical staff. It bypasses usual channels when necessary.
The rule is named after Martha Mills, a 13-year-old girl who tragically died from sepsis in 2021 following a cycling accident. A coroner’s report concluded that Martha might have survived if she had been transferred to intensive care earlier. Martha’s Rule was established to prevent such tragedies by improving communication and responsiveness within hospital care.
Why Extend Martha’s Rule to A&E Departments?
Emergency departments are fast-paced environments where rapid decisions can mean the difference between life and death. However, the pressure and complexity of A&E can sometimes lead to delays or oversights in recognising patient deterioration. Martha’s Rule A&E aims to provide an additional safety net in this critical setting.
The rollout of Martha’s Rule to every A&E department across England began in late September 2026. It is scheduled for completion by March 2028. This extension aims to bring the patient safety benefits already seen on wards into emergency care, where timely intervention is especially vital.
Since its introduction on inpatient wards in 2024, more than 10,000 calls have been made using Martha’s Rule. NHS data suggests it has potentially saved 446 lives. Extending this safety net to A&E departments is expected to further improve patient outcomes and reduce avoidable harm.
How Martha’s Rule A&E Works in Practice
When concerns are raised via the dedicated phone line, senior clinical staff are alerted to review the patient’s condition urgently. This process provides an additional layer of safety, ensuring that potential oversights or delays in care are addressed promptly.
The rule encourages a culture of openness and responsiveness in hospitals. Patients and families can feel confident that their concerns will be taken seriously, even in the often hectic environment of A&E.
Martha’s Rule A&E is designed to be simple to use. Anyone, whether patient, relative, or healthcare professional, can make a call if they feel that a patient’s condition is deteriorating and not being acted upon quickly enough. The call triggers an immediate senior clinical review.
Tom Hayes MP’s Support for Martha’s Rule A&E Expansion
Tom Hayes, the Labour Member of Parliament for Bournemouth East, has publicly welcomed the expansion of Martha’s Rule A&E. He emphasised the importance of listening to patients and families, reflecting on the tragic loss of Martha Mills. Hayes stated:
"Martha Mills should still be alive today. Her death is a tragic reminder of the importance of listening to patients and families. Nobody should feel powerless when they know in their bones that something is being missed. Expanding Martha’s Rule to every A&E will save lives and ensure people have a voice."
His support highlights the rule’s significance in improving patient safety and empowering individuals within the healthcare system. Hayes has been a vocal advocate for patient rights and safety improvements in Bournemouth and the wider Dorset area.
The Impact of Martha’s Rule A&E So Far and Future Prospects
The introduction of Martha’s Rule on inpatient wards has already demonstrated positive results. The volume of calls shows that patients, families, and staff are using the system to raise critical concerns. The estimated number of lives potentially saved underscores the rule’s effectiveness as a patient safety tool.
Extending this protocol to A&E departments will cover a crucial area of hospital care where rapid decision-making is essential. It is hoped this will reduce avoidable harm and improve patient experiences in emergency settings.
The NHS continues to monitor the implementation closely. Early feedback from pilot A&E sites suggests that Martha’s Rule A&E is helping to catch deteriorations earlier. It also fosters better communication between staff and families.
Why Patient Voice Matters in Emergency Care
Emergency care can be overwhelming for patients and their families. Often, they are the first to notice subtle changes in condition that busy staff may not immediately spot. Martha’s Rule A&E empowers them to raise these concerns without fear of being dismissed.
This empowerment is vital in building trust between patients and healthcare providers. It creates a partnership where everyone works together to ensure the best possible outcomes.
How Martha’s Rule A&E Fits into Broader Patient Safety Initiatives
Martha’s Rule A&E complements other NHS patient safety initiatives, such as rapid response teams and early warning scores. It adds a direct communication channel that can bypass normal hierarchies when urgent action is needed.
By embedding this rule in A&E departments, the NHS is reinforcing its commitment to patient-centred care and continuous improvement.
What Patients and Families Should Know About Martha’s Rule A&E
If you or a loved one is in an A&E department and you feel their condition is worsening without adequate attention, you have the right to use Martha’s Rule A&E. Ask hospital staff for information on how to access the dedicated phone line.
Hospital teams are trained to respond swiftly to these calls. Using Martha’s Rule is not about blaming staff but about ensuring patient safety through timely review.
Related Local News and Information
For those interested in following local developments and other initiatives supported by Tom Hayes MP, there are several related stories and updates available:
- Bournemouth MP welcomes specialist courtrooms for rape and sexual offences
- Former Stranglers frontman to come to Poole as part of final solo acoustic tour
- Former auction house in Ringwood could become a new retirement development
- Popular 90s boyband to perform at Christchurch venue next month
- Boscombe venue in the running to be named best UK community pub for second year
For more news about local politics, healthcare, and community issues in Bournemouth and Dorset, visit our Bournemouth News section. To learn about healthcare services and patient safety initiatives in the region, the BCP Council website offers official information and updates.
If you want to explore more about Bournemouth and what the town has to offer, including attractions, dining, and accommodation, see our Things to Do and Where to Stay guides.
Frequently asked questions
What is Martha's Rule and why was it introduced?
Martha's Rule is a safety protocol that allows patients, their families, or hospital staff to call a dedicated phone line if they believe a patient's deteriorating condition is not being properly addressed. It was introduced following the tragic death of Martha Mills, a 13-year-old girl who died from sepsis in 2021 after a cycling accident. The rule aims to improve communication and ensure urgent concerns are escalated promptly to senior clinical staff, helping to prevent similar tragedies.
How does Martha's Rule work in A&E departments?
When someone raises a concern via the dedicated phone line under Martha's Rule, senior clinical staff are immediately alerted to review the patient's condition. This ensures that any potential delays or oversights in care are quickly addressed. The rule encourages openness and responsiveness, giving patients and families confidence that their urgent concerns will be taken seriously in the emergency care setting.
When will Martha's Rule be available in all A&E departments in England?
The rollout of Martha's Rule to all Accident and Emergency departments across England began in late September 2026. The expansion is planned to be completed by March 2028, extending the safety benefits already seen on inpatient wards to emergency care settings where timely intervention is crucial.
What impact has Martha's Rule had since its introduction?
Since Martha's Rule was introduced on inpatient wards in 2024, more than 10,000 calls have been made using the system. NHS data suggests that the rule has potentially saved 446 lives by ensuring urgent concerns about patient deterioration are escalated and acted upon promptly. Extending the rule to A&E departments is expected to further improve patient safety and outcomes in emergency care.
Who supports the expansion of Martha's Rule to A&E departments?
Tom Hayes, the Labour Member of Parliament for Bournemouth East, has publicly supported the expansion of Martha's Rule to all A&E departments in England. He emphasises the importance of listening to patients and families and believes the rule will save lives and empower people to have a voice when they feel something is being missed in their care.
Why is Martha's Rule named after Martha Mills?
The rule is named after Martha Mills, a 13-year-old girl who tragically died from sepsis in 2021 following a cycling accident. A coroner's report concluded that Martha might have survived if she had been transferred to intensive care earlier. Martha's Rule was established to improve hospital communication and responsiveness to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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