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Latest news and updates about Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust including MTW Hospitals Charity and research news.
MTW first in the region to launch Martha’s Rule in maternity
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) has become the first trust in the region – and one of the first in the country – to introduce Martha’s Rule within maternity services.
The programme went live at Tunbridge Wells Hospital on 21 September, marking a significant next step in MTW’s phased rollout since first launching the service last year.
Martha’s Rule provides patients and families with a clear, direct way to request an independent clinical review if they feel their condition is worsening or their concerns have not been fully heard.
It ensures that patients, relatives and carers can access a review, separate from the team already providing care, and reinforces the importance of listening to patients’ voices at every stage of their treatment.
Within maternity services, Martha’s Rule includes the daily use of patient wellness questions to help women and birthing people share how they feel and ensure their perspective remains central to their care.
This first phase of the maternity rollout covers Tunbridge Wells Hospital, with neonatal patients and the Maidstone Birth Centre to follow later as the expansion continues.
Dr Sara Mumford, Chief Medical Officer at MTW, said: “Introducing Martha’s Rule into maternity services is an important milestone for MTW and reflects our commitment to listening to patients and acting quickly when they need us.
“This next phase strengthens the safety and responsiveness of our care, and we are proud to be among the first Trusts nationally to embed the approach within maternity.”