Anna’s Blog – Martha’s Rule Saves Lives
Recently, new statistics have been released by NHS England, evidencing the importance of the ‘Martha’s Rule’ initiative. Martha’s Rule was implemented in September 2024, after Martha Mills’ deterioration in health was not appropriately responded to by a senior doctor, resulting in her losing her life at just 13-years-old.
Martha’s Rule introduced access to 24/7 NHS helplines which patients, families, carers and staff can use to request a rapid review of care when an inpatient’s health is deteriorating. In August 2025, Martha’s Rule was expanded to all acute inpatient hospital sites in England, widening the impact of the initiative and increasing calls by 55.4%.
As of January, 2026, a total of 11,238 escalation calls have been received with 3,763 concerning acute deterioration in patient health. Of these calls, 486 required patient transfers to Intensive Care Units – a potentially life-changing intervention. Additionally, 1,624 cases have required other changes in treatment such as alternative medicines.
Wes Streeting, Health Secretary, commented that “Martha’s Rule is making sure the NHS listens to patients and their families when it matters most, with each call potentially resulting in a life-saving intervention.”
Streeting also plans to expand Martha’s Rule into maternity wards in the future, continuing to improve patient safety and promote compassionate care. Ms Mills, Martha’s mother, has noted that “we spend more on settling medical negligence maternity cases – maternity lawsuits – than on maternity care in this country,” and she hopes that the expansion of Martha’s Rule can help to prevent this and improve maternity care nationally.
Overall, this initiative has saved approximately 400 lives in England. As Wes Streeting has stated, Martha’s parents have turned “unimaginable grief” into “lasting change.” We are extremely glad that Martha’s Rule is improving the care of so many people, and hope that it continues to be expanded across healthcare services nationally.