573 callers use Martha's Rule to raise hospital care concern

CONCERNS about hospital patient care sparked nearly 600 calls requesting a treatment review in just two months under Martha's Rule.

- Hannah Geissler

The scheme was introduced earlier this year in memory of 13-year-old Martha Mills, who died in 2021 after her family's fears about her deteriorating condition were not listened to.

The teen developed sepsis after an injury to her pancreas and a coroner ruled she would likely have survived if treated in intensive care sooner.

Some 573 calls were made by patients, families or medics under Martha's Rule in September and October to a critical care outreach team. Of those, 286 required a clinical review and 57 led to changes in care such as patients receiving antibiotics, oxygen or other treatment.

In 14 cases, calls led to patients being urgently transferred intensive care.