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Our medical negligence expert, Nikki Fahey, shares with us her thoughts on Martha’s Rule, which will be introduced in April 2024. This follows the tragic death of 13-year-old Martha Mills in 2021, who passed away from sepsis while in hospital with a pancreatic injury, after falling off her bike. Her family’s concern is that her condition and symptoms weren’t taken seriously enough, and an inquest has since found that had she received better care sooner, she could have survived.
“As a medical negligence solicitor I champion the introduction of Martha’s Rule. This is a patient safety initiative that will save lives and heartbreak. I have nothing but admiration for Martha’s parents who have ensured that their daughter’s death was not in vain and that something positive and lifesaving has come from the most awful and tragic of situations.
“There have been many occasions in my career where I have heard from clients; “They just didn’t listen to me”, “I knew something was very wrong”, “I said that this was completely unusual and out of character” etc.
At present, a patient or their families can, of course, challenge decision-making and treatment plans but not all patients and families are able or comfortable to do so. Quite rightly, the public hold medics in high regard and have trust in what is being said and done. Some people find the very idea of questioning a doctor an alien concept. There is no uniformity on how challenging a medic is dealt with.
Under the new scheme participating hospitals will benefit from government funding to roll out posters and information leaflets, informing patients and their families of the right to seek a rapid review of treatment from critical care medics who are trained to care for those with deteriorating conditions.
“Whilst I appreciate that there needs to be appropriate staffing in place to ensure the scheme works effectively, what is important, in my view, is that the scheme is rolled out to all hospitals as quickly as possible. I note that the BBC report that at least 100 hospitals will initially apply. If this is not rolled out nationwide, as quickly as possible, it will become a postcode lottery as to whether patients benefit from Martha’s Rule.
“The aim of many clients is to ensure that effective change is made to prevent other families enduring the same. In my experience, this isn’t always achieved. However, Martha’s Rule has the capability to significantly improve patient safety. I applaud the NHS for taking on board the sad circumstances that led to Martha’s death and putting in place change that will save lives.”
Find out more about Martha’s Rule >>
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