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Martha's Rule helplines receive more than 1,700 NHS staff calls
More than 1,700 NHS staff in England have called Martha's Rule helplines to flag concerns about patient care. The helplines were created after the death of Martha Mills in 2021 and a 2022 coroner's ruling; they have helped identify deterioration and prompted ICU transfers, with expansion plans announced. The NHS is extending the initiative to more wards across England.
Why It Matters
The helplines offer a non-confrontational channel for frontline staff to raise concerns, potentially improving patient outcomes and bringing attention to deterioration in care.
Timeline
5 Events
Expansion plans announced for Martha's Rule
May 1, 2026
The NHS said the Martha's Rule initiative would be expanded to adult and child wards, with maternity, neonatal and emergency departments to follow.
NHS data on helpline activity (through February 2026)
February 2026
Between September 2024 and February 2026, the helplines received nearly 1,800 calls; over 1,000 identified serious deterioration; more than 500 patients were transferred to intensive care; about 1,500 people had changes in care.
Martha's Rule helplines launched in England
September 2024
Martha's Rule helplines became available across 143 hospital sites in England.
Coroner's ruling on Martha Mills' death
2022
A coroner ruled Martha Mills would probably have survived if she had been transferred earlier to intensive care and given appropriate treatment.
Death of Martha Mills
2021
Martha Mills died at King's College Hospital in London after developing sepsis.