Martha’s Rule helplines get more than 1,700 calls from worried NHS staff

• Martha's Rule helplines received over 1,700 calls from NHS staff, indicating significant uptake of this patient safety mechanism designed to facilitate urgent second opinions when clinical deterioration is suspected.
• The scheme empowers both staff and families to escalate concerns about worsening patient conditions, suggesting the NHS is actively promoting a culture where escalation pathways are being utilised.
• High call volumes suggest Martha's Rule is being embedded into practice, though clinicians should ensure they have clear protocols in place for managing escalation requests within their own teams.

The scheme encourages staff and families to seek an urgent second opinion if they fear a patient's condition is worsening.

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