Healthcare regulators support implementation of Martha’s rules

A joint statement was released by leaders of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the General Medical Council (GMC) and the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The statement, signed by Andrea Sutcliffe, chief executive and registrar of the NMC, Charlie Massey, chief executive and registrar of the GMC, and Ian Trenholm, chief executive of the CQC, states that Martha’s Rule It said it was “consistent” with the principles and norms of the United Nations and supported the implementation of the plan.

“Involving people actively in care decisions and addressing their concerns promptly is critical to safety.”

Joint statement

“Martha’s Rule” is named after a teenage girl who died of sepsis after her family’s requests for more treatment were ignored. An inquest heard the death of 13-year-old Martha Mills could have been preventable.

The Department of Health and Human Services introduced the rule last year and announced it would begin rolling it out in about 100 locations this month and next year.

NHS England said the rollout would take a “phased” approach, starting with at least 100 adult and pediatric acute care facilities that already provide 24/7 critical care services.

In hospitals and services where Martha’s Law is in place, patients and their families can request an “expedited review” of their case to ensure that no deterioration of symptoms has gone unnoticed. Masu.

This review is performed by an independent critical care team including nurses, doctors, and other clinicians. Additionally, clinicians themselves can trigger Martha’s Law.

In a statement, the regulator said it supported the rules, which are being rolled out across England, and would ensure the interests of patients and families remained “at the heart of decision-making”. They added that it promotes safe, effective and kind care.

The statement reads: “Martha’s Rules reinforce the fundamental principle of listening to and acting on the views of people who use health and care services and their families.

“Involving people actively in care decisions and addressing their concerns promptly is critical to safety,” the report said.

Martha was rushed to King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in 2021 after falling off her bike during a family holiday and suffering a ruptured pancreas.

Martha’s condition worsened in hospital, but her parents, Merope Mills and Paul Leighty, appealed for increased care due to fears of sepsis, but doctors and nurses ignored them and Martha continued to deteriorate. He reassured his family that he would recover without any complications.

The 13-year-old girl was eventually taken to the pediatric intensive care unit, but it was too late and she died shortly after admission to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

martha mills

Since their daughter’s death, Ms Mills and Ms Leity have been campaigning for the implementation of Martha’s Rule, modeled after a similar system in Australia called Ryan’s Rule.

In a statement made as part of the campaign, the pair said they felt unheard and respected by clinicians.

The regulator said in a statement that Martha’s Rule supports “care that is person-centered, responsive and consistent with high standards of professional practice.”

“We welcome Martha’s Rule’s emphasis on effective teamwork, mutual respect and open communication,” they said.

“The focus on professional collaboration fosters active listening, fosters person-centered care, and supports a culture of learning and improvement.”

The regulator said the rules were in line with both the NMC and GMC professional codes, stating: It also supports our ambition for an open culture.

“In ensuring that families are at the heart of care and recognizing the importance of listening to and acting on their concerns, Martha’s Rules are the key to ensuring that families are at the center of care and recognizing the importance of listening to and acting on their concerns. It also reflects the important role that people’s experiences have.

“We look forward to working with professionals, the people they care for, and their families and carers to ensure the successful implementation and monitoring of Martha’s Rule.” added.