We are The Christie magazine Oct 2025

Martha’s Rule

Martha’s Rule The Christie has recently introduced Martha’s Rule, a new patient safety initiative that gives patients and families a clear way to raise urgent concerns if they feel someone’s condition is getting worse while staying on one of our inpatient wards.

“We already have good systems in place for escalating concerns. Martha’s Rule is that extra layer. It gives patients and families more reassurance that their voices will always be heard.”

Gabi Cohen, Martha’s Rule project manager

The initiative is being rolled out across the NHS, and The Christie was among the first hospitals to pilot it. Martha’s Rule is named after 13-year-old Martha Mills, whose sepsis symptoms were not recognised by medical staff in time to save her life in 2023. Her parents, Merope Mills and Paul Laity, have since campaigned for these important changes in the NHS. The aim is simple – to make sure health concerns are acted on quickly, and that patients and families always feel listened to. We caught up with oncology nurse and Martha’s Rule project manager Gabi Cohen, who led on the implementation at The Christie. Gabi said: “Martha’s Rule is about making sure concerns are acted on quickly. It’s a simple way for patients or relatives to raise a concern if they feel it hasn’t been fully picked up on the ward.” She explained that the process is designed to build on existing communication – “if you’re staying in hospital and you feel your health, or the health of your relative, is getting worse, you should first speak to your ward team and your consultant’s team. If you still don’t feel your concerns are being acted on, you can raise a Martha’s Rule call by phoning switchboard. This will allow our specialist team to review the patient promptly.” The Christie was chosen as one of the first pilot sites because of its strong 24-hour critical care outreach team. “We have a really well-established outreach team here, and that’s what made us eligible to be part of the national pilot. We’ve also had support from colleagues across Greater Manchester to share ideas and make sure we’re introducing it in the best way for our patients,” Gabi said. She added that the initiative should be seen as an added safeguard: “We already have good systems in place for escalating concerns. Martha’s Rule

For Gabi, leading the work has been a rewarding experience. “I’ve really enjoyed it because it’s allowed me to work with teams across the hospital that I might not normally link up with. Most of all, it feels positive to know this could make a real difference to inpatients and their families.” Martha’s Rule is now live at The Christie and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Patients and families who need to use it can ask the ward for details or call switchboard directly on 0161 446 3000. All the information about Martha’s Rule here at The Christie is available online at: Martha’s Rule: detecting deterioration

is that extra layer. It gives patients and families more reassurance that their voices will always be heard.”

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