Hospitals in England have introduced a new procedure to ensure doctors and nurses act immediately if parents say their child’s health has deteriorated further, in efforts to stop “avoidable deaths” in paediatric patients.
Under the system, reports The Mirror, if a parent or guardian raises concerns that their child has become more ill than the score shows, care will be escalated straight away. regardless of what observations have already taken place.
The move comes after the government announced it would implement Martha’s Rule in hospitals across England, under which commitment, patients will be given the right to a second opinion if they believe their worries are being dismissed by staff.
Martha Mills (13) died in 2021 after developing sepsis. A coroner ruled she would probably have survived if medics had realised the warning signs and transferred her to intensive care sooner.
Her mother called for more power to be given to patients and their families in response.
The NHS confirmed it would include guidance from Martha’s Rule to the new system as it develops.
Health Minister Maria Caulfield backed the new system and said it will "save lives." She added: “We know from the tragic case of Martha Mills that it’s vital to give parents a voice when it comes to the care of their child and so it will be reassuring to families that as part of this system, parents will be heard.”
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