Martha’s Rule Expands to All A&E Departments Across England
NHS expands Martha's Rule to every A&E department in England, empowering patients and families to request urgent second opinions on emergency care.
POLICY WIRE — London, England — Health officials have confirmed that Martha’s Rule is set to be implemented across all hospital accident and emergency departments throughout England.
The initiative provides a formal mechanism for patients, their relatives, and medical staff to request an urgent clinical review if they have concerns regarding the quality of care being provided.
By extending this policy to emergency settings, the NHS aims to bolster safety protocols for vulnerable individuals who may experience a deterioration in their condition while waiting for or receiving treatment.
Under the expanded framework, those present in emergency departments will have access to a dedicated phone number to trigger an immediate second opinion, ensuring that patient concerns are addressed promptly by clinical teams.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
