Call for Concern (Martha’s Rule)

Call for Concern (Martha’s Rule) is a patient safety service for inpatients, relatives, friends and staff.

It enables you to call for help and advice if you are concerned that a patient’s condition is deteriorating and is not being adequately recognised by the ward team.

Difference between Call for Concern (Martha’s Rule) and a second opinion

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.

When should I contact Call for Concern?

We believe that our patients along with their family and friends can often sense or see deterioration before we can. So, if you or your loved one are worried that your condition is getting worse (deteriorating), follow these simple steps:

1. Always share your concerns with your ward team. They are your first point of contact. If possible, speak with the nurse in charge or the doctor that is looking after you.
2. If after speaking with the ward team, you still feel your concerns have still not been addressed, then contact Call for Concern.
3. If you are unable to make a call, please speak to the nurse in charge, who will call for you.

Call for Concern: 07826 872343

What happens next?

Your call will be answered by the Critical Care Outreach team who operate the Call for Concern service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are experienced senior nurses with advanced clinical skills.

• If no-one answers, please leave a voice message and you will be called back as soon as possible.
• Please be aware the outreach team may be dealing with another patient or an emergency, which may delay their response.

They will need to know:

• your name
• the name of the patient
• your contact number
• the ward
• a brief overview of your concern.

Your call will always be responded to, and it may lead to a ward visit. During that visit the outreach team will have discussions with you and the ward team, which may include treatment options and investigations to help improve your deteriorating condition.

What if I’m worried about calling?

Please do not feel anxious calling us. We want to hear from you – we believe that our patients along with their family and friends can often sense or see deterioration before we can.

Background to Martha’s Rule

Martha’s Rule is named after Martha Mills, who died in 2021 after developing sepsis in hospital. 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 promptly. In 2023, a coroner ruled that Martha, aged 13, would probably have survived had she been moved to intensive care earlier. Following extensive campaigning by Martha’s parents, the NHS introduced Martha’s Rule in 2024. It helps spot any unexpected signs of deterioration early and gives you the right to request a review if you’re worried that your condition or that of a loved one is getting worse. Royal Cornwall Hospital is proud to be implementing Martha’s Rule.

Please see the Call for Concern – Martha’s Rule (RCHT 2059) Patient Information Leaflet for further information.