Additional reassurance for parents and carers
Date of release: 10 March 2025
Parents and carers of young patients being treated at Wolverhampton’s New Cross Hospital will be able to get a second opinion if they feel any concerns they may have about their loved ones’ deteriorating condition are not being listened to.
Staff with their phones promoting Martha’s Rule Call for Concern in Paediatrics, from left: Sarah Lewis, Matron, Children’s Specialities and Outpatients, Dr Sally Edwards, Kirsty Lewis, and Staff Nurses Rebecca Davies, Kanika Patel and Kamaljot Kaur
Martha’s Rule Call for Concern is a patient safety initiative developed by the parents of Martha Mills who sadly died aged 13 from sepsis in 2021.
A coroner later concluded Martha, who had been taken to hospital following a fall from her bike, would likely have survived if she had been moved to intensive care earlier as her condition deteriorated.
Her parents Paul Laity and Merope Mills have campaigned for a change in how second opinions are sought by families in emergency situations.
This initiative has been rolled out across adult inpatients wards at New Cross and Children’s Acute Services are doing the same from today, Monday 10 March.
Kirsty Lewis, Senior Matron for Acute Children’s Services at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, said: “We work really hard to ensure our patients, their families and carers all feel they understand care and treatment decisions and that our healthcare teams clearly communicate with all concerned.
“Having a poorly child in hospital is an incredibly difficult time for their loved ones, which we appreciate and understand, but we want people to feel comfortable about asking questions and raising their concerns with Doctors, Nurses and other healthcare professionals on the wards.
“Martha’s Rule Cause for Concern now gives families additional reassurance that if they believe their concerns – which specifically cover their child’s deteriorating condition – are not being listen to, or taken seriously, Martha’s Rule can be initiated and they can get a second opinion.
“We have set up a dedicated number for them to call which will trigger a series of events to escalate these concerns and ensure an urgent clinical review.
“We are committed to implementing this important initiative that has been borne out of tragedy. If we can collectively do things better this is a fitting legacy for Martha.”
The dedicated Call for Concern number operates around the clock but is not for general concerns that can be addressed by ward staff.
