Dudley teenagers create NHS campaign to raise awareness of life-saving initiative

Dudley Young Health Champions from King Edward VI College, Stourbridge, have helped produce a film to raise awareness of Martha’s Rule.

The film has been created by the young people alongside senior NHS colleagues and independent artists and is intended to help people understand how the patient-safety initiative works.

Martha’s Rule gives patients, families and carers a way to raise concerns if they believe a patient’s condition is getting worse and those concerns have not been addressed by the care team.

They can request a rapid review by a different clinical team if they remain worried about a patient’s condition.

The initiative was developed following the death of 13-year-old Martha Mills, alongside other cases involving the management of patients whose conditions were deteriorating.

It recognises that patients, families and carers can be among the first to notice important changes in someone’s condition.

The film tells Martha’s story and explains the importance of speaking up when concerns about a patient’s care are not being heard.

It will be shared through GP practices and hospitals and used in training for NHS healthcare professionals.

Tracey Sargent, senior improvement lead for the Martha’s Rule Programme at NHS England, praised the young people for creating a resource which she said was both moving and informative.

The film is being made available for healthcare organisations and community partners to share in the hope of increasing awareness of Martha’s Rule.

You can watch The Story of Martha’s Rule on YouTube.