BRADFORD district hospitals are among 143 sites which will roll out 'Martha's Rule' later this year, the NHS has confirmed today.

Bradford Royal Infirmary and Airedale General Hospital have both signed up to the scheme, which will give patients and families access to a rapid review if they are worried about a condition getting worse.

The escalation process, which formalises access to a critical care team for a second opinion, will be available 24/7 and will be advertised throughout hospitals.

Under the move, an urgent clinical review will be carried out by a different team in the hospital if a patient’s condition is rapidly worsening and they or their family feels they are not getting the care needed.

The move follows the death of 13-year-old Martha Mills in 2021. 

She developed sepsis while under the care of King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in south London.

A coroner ruled she would most likely have survived if doctors had identified the warning signs of her rapidly deteriorating condition and transferred her to intensive care earlier.

Martha's parents, Merope Mills, an editor at the Guardian, and her husband Paul Laity, raised concerns about Martha's health a number of times but these were brushed aside.

They have since campaigned for 'Martha's Rule' to be introduced to give families more say.

Merope and Paul said: "We are pleased that the roll-out of 'Martha's Rule' is off to a flying start and that the need for it has been so widely recognised. 
 
"It will save lives and encourage better, more open communication on hospital wards, so that patients feel they are listened to, and partners in their healthcare."
 
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: "Rolling out Martha's Rule to over 143 NHS sites in this first phase will represent one of the most important changes to patient care in recent years, and we are pleased to have seen such interest from hospitals right across the country, all thanks to the moving and dedicated campaigning by Martha's parents, Merope and Paul. 
 
"That is why today is such an important milestone, with the NHS outlining the 143 sites where this major patient safety initiative will be rolled out later this year, allowing staff, patients and families to immediately raise concerns and bring about an escalation in care in an easily recognisable and fast way."

NHS national patient safety director and senior responsible officer for 'Martha’s Rule', Dr Aidan Fowler, added: "This programme will deliver clear change."