Merope Mills Awarded CBE for Services to Patient Safety and Martha’s Rule
Merope Mills, a senior editor at the Guardian, has been awarded a CBE in the King’s birthday honours list for her services to patient safety. Mills campaigned for the implementation of “Martha’s rule” in England, a safety mechanism that Health Secretary Wes Streeting says has already provided potentially life-saving care to more than 500 people.
Why was Martha’s rule created?
The initiative follows the 2021 death of Mills’ 13-year-old daughter, Martha, at King’s College hospital in London. Martha had suffered a pancreatic laceration during a cycling accident and was treated at the facility because it is one of three national centres for pediatric pancreatic trauma.
Martha developed sepsis during her stay. According to her parents, doctors tried to reassure them while ignoring concerns about her deteriorating health, even as nursing staff privately acknowledged she was at risk of death.
A coroner ruled in 2022 that Martha probably would have survived if doctors had identified warning signs and transferred her to intensive care sooner.
How does the patient safety mechanism work?
Martha’s rule allows patients, their relatives, and hospital staff to seek a second opinion if they have concerns about the care being provided. The system operates through a hospital-run helpline where individuals can request a “rapid review.”
Mills stated the rule was designed to shift the power dynamic in hospitals. She noted the goal is to give families a voice during the moments they need it most.
What is the impact on the NHS?
The NHS in England began using the mechanism in 2024. NHS statistics and Health Secretary Wes Streeting report that more than 500 people have received potentially life-saving care through the rule.
These patients were moved to specialist units or intensive care after a loved one, the patient, or a staff member triggered the review. Streeting stated the change puts patients and families at the heart of care.
Mills noted that preventable deaths cost the NHS billions in compensation and the treatment of resulting complications. She argued that the number of such deaths remains high.
What may happen next?
The success of the initial rollout could lead to a wider cultural shift within the NHS regarding patient safety. If the trend of rapid reviews continues to identify critical cases, the NHS may see a further decrease in preventable deaths.
Additionally, the reduction of medical errors could potentially lower the billions the NHS spends on compensation for mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Martha’s rule?
It is a patient safety initiative in England that allows patients, staff, and relatives to call a hospital-run helpline to seek a “rapid review” or second opinion when concerned about care.
Who is Merope Mills?
Mills is a senior editor at the Guardian and a healthcare campaigner who was awarded a CBE for her services to patient safety following the death of her daughter.
How many lives has Martha’s rule potentially saved?
According to NHS statistics and Health Secretary Wes Streeting, more than 500 people have received potentially life-saving care since the rule was introduced in 2024.
Do you believe a formal “rapid review” system should be standard in all hospitals?