Reporting a patient safety concern

Martha’s Rule is a national patient safety initiative, giving patients and families access to an urgent review if they are worried an inpatient’s condition is getting worse.

Maidstone Hospital and Tunbridge Wells Hospital having implemented Martha’s Rule as part of the first phase of the programme.

There are many ways we can tell when an inpatient’s condition is getting worse. But as a friend or family member, you may be able to spot when things aren’t right early on.

If you’re worried they are getting worse, first speak to:

• The nurse looking after them
• The nurse in charge
• A doctor on the ward

If you are still worried, Martha’s Rule means inpatients and/or relatives can call a direct number for immediate help and advice if they are worried the inpatient’s condition is getting worse.

When we receive your call we will need to know:

• the inpatient’s name
• the name of the ward
• a brief description of your concern
• your relationship to the inpatient and contact details

All telephone calls to this number will be assessed and, where appropriate, a nurse from our Critical Care Outreach team will visit the patient on the ward to ensure they are receiving the suitable treatment and support.

The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You can also make a report about a patient online.