The major patient safety initiative, which was inspired by Martha Mills who died in 2021 aged 13 after developing sepsis in hospital, was expanded to all acute hospitals in September 2025 after an initial pilot roll-out in February 2024.

Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said: ‘Martha's Rule is already having a lifesaving impact, and these figures show the real difference it is making to NHS staff, patients and families across the country.

‘But this early research also shows there is more to do to ensure that this crucial initiative can be accessed by everyone who needs it.

‘I want a health service that listens - to patients, to families, and to the staff who care for them. Work to roll out Martha's Rule is a crucial part of this as we build a health service fit for the future.'

A third of the 12,000 calls (4,047) helped identify acute deterioration, which led to 2,310 patients receiving changes in treatment, and this includes 524 potentially life-saving interventions to transfer them to enhanced levels of care.

Where calls were not categorised as being related to acute deterioration, they are still supporting staff to provide better care for patients and address concerns. For example, 2,951 calls led to clinical concerns such as medication or investigation delays being addressed. A further 3,054 calls helped to resolve communication and discharge planning issues.

Meanwhile, a new report published today suggests that around one in three (32%) of the public are already aware of the vital initiative, thanks to the campaigning of Martha's parents, Merope Mills and Paul Laity.