More than 10,000 calls have been made to Martha's Rule helplines in the first 16 months since the scheme's launch.

Newly released data shows that one-in-three calls by patients, relatives and staff did identify a rapid worsening of a patient's condition. Of these 3,457 calls, 1,885 patients then received a change in care as a result. There were 446 potentially life-saving interventions, where patients were transferred to enhanced levels of care.

Calls have more than doubled since June last year, as the roll out has spread further. All adult and paediatric acute inpatient sites in the NHS are now in the process of implementing Martha’s Rule. Hospitals have been Ising communication campaigns including posters to raise awareness.

Dr Aidan Fowler, National Director of Patient Safety at NHS England, said: “Martha’s Rule is already helping to save lives and transform the culture of the NHS – with 10,000 calls made to the helplines in just over a year and over four hundred potentially life-saving interventions triggered.

“These figures show that Merope and Paul’s tireless campaigning and the hard work of staff are helping the NHS listen to families more effectively and shows that when concerns are raised, hospital teams are ready to respond.”

Martha Mills died in 2021, at the age of 13, after developing sepsis in hospital. She had been admitted with a pancreatic injury after falling off her bike. Martha's family raised concerns about her condition, but they were not listened to. In 2022 a coroner ruled that Martha would probably have survived had she been moved to intensive care earlier.

Martha’s mum Merope Mills said: “The more data that is gathered, the clearer it becomes that Martha’s Rule is having a hugely positive effect. Apart from the lives saved, over a third of the calls have led to a marked improvement in care.

“The process is not being overused and has obviously met a need, giving patients and families real agency. We look forward to its thorough implementation in maternity departments and call for its rapid introduction in Wales and Scotland.”