Alder Hey is one of several pilot NHS Trusts that introduced Martha’s Rule.
Martha’s Rule allows anyone connected with a child or young person who is an inpatient at Alder Hey to request a review from a member of our Response Team if they think the child is deteriorating.
Anyone can request a rapid review about a child or young person who is an inpatient at Alder Hey.
This means that a parent, guardian, carer, or even a staff member can request a rapid review if they feel that a child or young person is deteriorating, or the local team is not recognising your concern or if the child or young person may require critical care or intensive support.
Your voice matters to us – we are here to listen and act.
What is an inpatient?
Inpatients stay in a hospital setting while they receive treatment. This includes staying on any of our wards and Sunflower House. It doesn’t include A&E or outpatients.
How do I access Martha’s Rule?
Alder Hey has a WhatsApp channel specifically set up for Martha’s Rule. It is available 24 hours a day. To use it:
- Step 1. Download WhatsApp on your device. You can download it via the Google Play Store or for IOS, Mac or PC
- Step 2. Create a profile on WhatsApp and create a shortcut on your device.
- Step 3. Use the link below or message +44 7976 208601
- Step 4. Follow the instructions provided.
Use this link: https://wa.me/message/4WBCK256LN5LB1?src=qr
What happens next?
Once you have sent your message, you should follow the prompts you receive via WhatsApp.
If the concern raised is suitable for a Martha’s Rule review by our Response team, we will aim to respond within 10 minutes. This team, which comprises of senior nurses, will come to a patient’s bed, introduce themselves to you, listen to concerns, and then undertake a full top-to-toe patient assessment.
Martha’s Rule is not for anything other than a clinical deterioration. If you have other concerns, the WhatsApp chatbot will redirect you.
Martha’s story
Martha’s Rule has been inspired by the story of Martha, who sustained a pancreatic injury after falling off her bike and was admitted to the hospital. Martha Mills died in 2021 after developing sepsis in hospital, where she had been admitted with a pancreatic injury after falling off her bike. Martha’s family’s concerns about her deteriorating condition were not responded to, and in 2023 a coroner ruled that Martha would probably have survived had she been moved to intensive care earlier.