Martha’s Rule begins rollout to every emergency department in England

A trial of Martha’s Rule in England’s emergency departments led to some patients receiving immediate surgery or being transferred to intensive care after concerns were raised. The NHS is now extending the scheme to every emergency department, including waiting rooms.

The eight-month pilot recorded 69 calls across seven NHS trusts. The system gives patients, loved ones and staff a dedicated phone number to call when someone’s condition is worsening and they feel their concerns are not being heard. A call can trigger an urgent review by a different medical team.

The rule is named after Martha Mills, who died aged 13 in 2021 after developing sepsis, a dangerous reaction to infection. Her parents campaigned for change after their concerns went unheard. A coroner found she would probably have survived with an earlier transfer to intensive care and appropriate treatment.

The phased emergency-department expansion begins in September 2026 and is expected to be complete by March 2028. It builds on the rollout across inpatient wards, where calls have already led to treatment changes and potentially life-saving interventions.

The service will not be available everywhere immediately. Patients and families can check their local hospital’s website or ask staff whether Martha’s Rule is in place.