A patient safety initiative developed by the parents of a teenager who died from sepsis has been extended to cover Paediatric Services at Walsall Manor Hospital.

Martha’s Rule Call for Concern means parents and carers of young patients, or the patient themselves, will be able to get an independent review if they feel any concerns they may have about their loved ones’ deteriorating condition are not being listened to.

The initiative was developed by the parents of Martha Mills who 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 independent reviews are sought by families who raise concerns around deterioration.

 In response to this and other cases related to the management of deterioration, the then Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and NHS England committed to implement Martha’s Rule as part of a wider NHS strategy to ensure the vitally important concerns of the patient and those who know the patient best are listened to and acted upon.

Martha’s Rule was rolled out across adult inpatient wards last year and launched in Paediatrics on Thursday 31 July.

Amy Blakemore, Matron Sepsis and Outreach response Team (SORT) and ICU rehab at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “We want families and carers to know that they are a vital part of the care and treatment decisions that are made for the children and young people in our hospital  and they should feel empowered to ask questions or tell us if something concerns them.

“They know their child better than anyone and need reassurance that our teams will listen to them and take their concerns seriously. They also need to know that any concerns in relation to their child’s deteriorating condition that they feel are not being listened to can initiate Martha’s Rule and they can get an independent review.”

Xana Marriott, Senior Sister with SORT, added: “We’re proud to have launched Martha’s Rule in Paediatrics, an initiative sadly prompted by the potentially avoidable death of a teenager who should have had her whole life ahead of her.

“Martha’s parents have worked tirelessly to bring about significant change and try to ensure no other families suffer a loss due to their concerns not being promptly acted upon and we can collectively play our part in reducing this risk. “

A telephone number is available for parents/families to escalate any concerns that a Paediatric patient’s condition is deteriorating and ensure an urgent clinical review.

This Call for Concern number operates around the clock but is not for general concerns or complaints that can be addressed by ward staff.

Laura Brittain, Paediatric Senior Sister, added: “We’re excited to be working alongside SORT to enhance patient safety in the clinical environment.”