Martha’s Rule
Last updated: 26/02/2025
Martha’s Rule is a way for patients, families and carers to ask for an urgent review by the Critical Care Outreach Team if they are worried about a patient and their concerns are not being listened to.
We have introduced Martha’s Rule across our Bristol hospitals and Weston General Hospital. It is currently in place for in patients at Bristol Royal Infirmary, Weston General Hospital, Bristol Eye Hospital, Bristol Heart Institute and Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre.
Find out about Martha’s Rule at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.
Martha's Rule is not yet available in our emergency departments or maternity wards.
How to use Martha’s Rule
If you, or a loved one, are admitted to a ward which has Martha’s Rule in place, you can contact the Critical Care Outreach Team by filling in this online form or by calling the relevant telephone number below and leaving a message. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Bristol hospitals: 07833 389707
Weston General Hospital: 07900 669172
When you call we will need to know:
- your name
- your contact details
- the patient’s name
- the name of the ward
- the reasons why you’re worried
All calls will be assessed and, where appropriate, a doctor or nurse from the Critical Care Outreach Team will visit the patient on the ward to make sure they are receiving the most appropriate treatment and support.
What is the Critical Care Outreach Team?
The team specialise in the review and treatment of very unwell patients.
Led by senior nurses, the team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Talk to us – we are listening
Everyone at our hospitals is here to listen and support the people in our care, and their families in order to provide the best treatment and support.
If you have a worry, we want to hear about it.
Please remember:
- There is no such thing as a ‘silly’ question.
- Don’t worry if you get upset, it’s ok.
- If you’re not sure what the nurses or doctors are doing or you don’t understand what is being said, ask them to explain it to you.
- If you think something is wrong, let us know.
Difference between Martha’s Rule and a second opinion
Martha’s Rule allows patients admitted to hospital, and their families, to seek an urgent review if their condition, or the condition of a loved one, is deteriorating.
A second opinion is when you would like to see another consultant to discuss any diagnosis or treatment.
The Critical Care Outreach Team is here to respond to urgent concerns about a patient’s condition.
If you would like to raise anything else, you can talk to a member of staff on the ward or contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Team (PALS):