Story perspectives

NHS England expands Martha’s Rule to all EDs by 2028

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 6:16 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

NHS England will extend Martha’s Rule to all hospital emergency departments by March 2028.
The rule provides a dedicated helpline for patients, families and staff to request urgent care reviews.
In the first 16 months, over 10,000 calls were logged, reportedly saving 446 lives.
A pilot across seven trusts recorded 69 calls that led to urgent surgery or intensive-care transfers.

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Story summary

NHS England will extend Martha’s Rule to all hospital emergency departments by March 2028.
The rule provides a dedicated helpline for patients, families and staff to request urgent care reviews.
In the first 16 months, over 10,000 calls were logged, reportedly saving 446 lives.
A pilot across seven trusts recorded 69 calls that led to urgent surgery or intensive-care transfers.