Martha’s Rule: Detecting Deterioration
You know yourself or your loved one better than anyone. If you’re worried about a health condition getting worse, talk to us.
What is Martha's Rule?
WWL has introduced Martha’s Rule to help spot any unexpected signs of deterioration early and give you the right to request a rapid review if you’re worried that your or your loved one’s condition is getting worse.
You may notice small changes before they show up in our routine measurements. These changes could be early warning signs of deterioration.
As a Trust, we have already introduced the patient wellness questionnaire to all adult inpatient areas, where patients are asked how they feel today, and how they feel compared to yesterday. Every patient should be asked this every day.
Evidence suggests that patients can often feel worse, before they show physiologically changes, so this can also identify early signs of deterioration. If you or your loved one has not been asked, please speak to the nurse in charge on the ward.
While someone is in hospital, we regularly check their vital signs and other important health measurements. The frequency of these checks will depend on the patient’s individual condition and needs. Sometimes we may need to wake patients to do these checks.
In addition, we will also ask at least daily if patients are feeling better or worse. This is to monitor any unexpected changes in their condition.
- First, speak to the team caring for you or your loved one.
- If, after speaking to the care team, you remain worried and feel your concerns are not being addressed, call for a rapid review by phoning 01942 822362
Your call will go to a different team in our hospital, who specialise in the care of critically ill patients. They will work with your or your loved one's care team to arrange any treatment needed or further review.
The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, the team may be busy with unwell patients, and you may be asked to leave a message. Don’t’ worry if this happens, please do leave a message and the team will get back to you as soon as they can.
We will regularly ask for your views and take your concerns seriously. We see you as a partner in the care we are providing and want you to raise any worries and concerns you may have.
Martha’s Rule allows hospital inpatients and their families to seek a rapid review if their condition, or the condition of a loved one, is deteriorating.
A second opinion is when you would like to see another consultant to discuss any diagnosis or treatment.
Martha Mills died in 2021 after developing sepsis in hospital, where she had been admitted with a pancreatic injury after falling off her bike. Martha’s family’s concerns about her deteriorating condition were not responded to, and in 2023 a coroner ruled that Martha, aged 13, would probably have survived had she been moved to intensive care earlier.