Martha's Rule
Martha's Rule allows inpatients or their loved ones to directly report a decline in their condition that has been reported but not addressed by healthcare staff on the ward.
If you have noticed a decline in your or your loved one’s condition, you should always report this immediately to the healthcare staff on the ward as the first step.
If after speaking to healthcare staff, you feel that your concerns have not been properly addressed, you can contact our Critical Care Outreach Team.
Step 1
Discuss your concerns about your or your loved one’s condition with the patient’s ward nurse or doctor.
Step 2
After speaking to the ward nurse or doctor;
Have no changes been made?
Are your concerns are not being appropriately acknowledged or acted upon?
Are you still worried or concerned that yourself or your loved one is in immediate danger?
You should contact the contact the Critical Care Outreach Team if you have ongoing concerns
Step 3
You can ask the ward staff to contact the Critical Care Outreach Team, or you can call the relevant hospital number:
Kent and Canterbury Hospital: 07934 603208 (8am-6pm daily)
William Harvey Hospital, Ashford: 07955 320952 (24hr service)
QEQM Hospital, Margate: 07934 603207 (24hr service)
When you contact Call for Concern, they will need to know
the patient’s name
the ward they are on
a brief description of the problem, and what has already been done about it
your contact details and relationship to the patient.
When you call
We aim to answer calls as quickly as possible. However, sometimes we may be dealing with an emergency that may delay our response.
You can leave a message, giving the required information (as above). We will aim to get back to you as soon as possible. If this happens, we advise you to speak to the ward team again.
Martha's Rule FAQs
Martha's Rule
Martha's Rule is a patient safety initiative. It enables inpatients and families to call for help and advice when they feel concerned that the healthcare team has not recognised their own or their loved one’s changing condition.
This is a nurse-led service to help support ward teams in the care of acutely ill inpatients.
When can I raise concerns under Martha's Rule?
Please contact the Critical Care Outreach Team f you notice a change or deterioration in your condition or that of the patient you are supporting, and feel your concerns are not being appropriately acknowledged or acted upon.
What issues are not covered by Martha's Rule?
Martha's Rule is a patient safety initiative. Please do not call to report problems with hospital beds, rooms, food, parking, or any other general issues. If you have these problems, please speak to the ward nurse or manager, or contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) via our website: www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/feedback
Will raising a concern under Martha's Rule negatively affect my or my loved one's care?
No. There will be no negative effect on you or your loved one’s care in any way. We know that sometimes you or a close loved one will be the first to notice that something is wrong. No one knows your healthcare needs better than you and your family.
What will happen when I raise a concern?
The Team will discuss your concerns and assess the situation. They will contact the medical team and other healthcare professionals as needed, to discuss treatment options. If they cannot resolve the problem by phone, they will make every effort to discuss your concerns in person.