The major patient safety initiative was expanded to all acute hospitals in September 2025 after an initial pilot roll-out at 143 sites.

Dr Nick Mallaband, chief medical officer at DBTH, said: ‘Martha's Rule strengthens our commitment to listening and responding when patients, families and carers are worried about a patient's condition.

‘We know that those closest to a patient often notice important changes, and this initiative ensures there is a clear and timely way for concerns to be escalated and reviewed, day or night.

‘At DBTH, we want everyone to feel confident that their concerns will be taken seriously and acted upon quickly, helping us to provide safe, responsive and compassionate care for all patients.'

Martha's Rule is named in memory of Martha Mills, who died in 2021 aged 13 after developing sepsis while in hospital. The initiative has been introduced nationally by NHS England to strengthen the early recognition and escalation of deterioration.