Why we back 'Martha's Rule' to give you the right to a second opinion
We're backing calls to introduce 'Martha's Rule' in NHS hospitals.
What is it?
The rule would act as an extra safeguard for patients or their loved ones who want a second opinion about treatment options, particularly in the event of a suspected deterioration or serious concern on the part of a patient on a hospital ward, or their family or carer.
The proposal to introduce 'Martha's Rule' follows the powerful testimony of Merope Mills, the mother of a girl – Martha – who died of a preventable sepsis infection in hospital aged thirteen. She has described how families can find it difficult to be properly heard when their loved ones are seriously ill, sometimes with tragic and fatal consequences.
How will it help?
Patients can already request second opinions on their treatment, and most doctors respect these requests. However, the new rule proposed would shift the balance of power from medical discretion to the patient or their family being able to trigger a second opinion directly. Lives have already been saved in a pilot of this kind of system at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, and other countries already run similar schemes.
Implemented correctly, with clear communications to patients to notify them about their rights and increased focus on non-technical skills as part of medical training, the introduction of Martha's Rule would help to reassure patients and families and ultimately save lives in future.
Find out more about Martha's Rule
