Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Martha's Rule update

21 February 2024 · Department of Health and Social Care

Proposed by Victoria Atkins Con Louth and Horncastle

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The government plans to implement Martha's Rule in at least 100 NHS sites by March 2025
  • Up to 10 million funding will be provided to support the implementation of Martha's Rule
  • A stakeholder oversight group will be established to advise on the delivery of Martha's Rule

Issue summary

The statement updates Parliament on the implementation of Martha's Rule in England, a patient safety initiative that allows families to request rapid medical review when concerned about their loved one's condition.

Action requested

The government plans to implement Martha’s Rule in at least 100 NHS sites by March 2025 with up to £10 million funding and will establish a stakeholder oversight group to advise on the delivery of the rule.

Key facts

  • Martha's Rule aims to give patients and families the right to initiate a rapid review of their case at any time from someone outside their immediate care team.
  • The initiative is named after 13-year-old Martha Mills, who died due to delayed sepsis treatment.
  • £10 million funding will support the rollout in 2024/25.
  • NHS England will identify acute provider sites for phase one implementation.
  • Dr Henrietta Hughes has led engagement with stakeholders and provided recommendations.
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