What is Martha's Rule?
If you're worried that your child's condition is getting worse, Martha's Rule gives you the right to request a rapid review. You may notice small changes before they show up on our routine checks. These changes could be early warning signs of a health condition getting worse.
How we monitor your child
While they are in hospital, we regularly check your child's vital signs and do other important health checks. The frequency of these will depend on your child's condition and needs. Sometimes we need to wake them up to do these checks. We will also ask them if they are feeling better or worse, at least each day. We ask parents and carers to help them to answer this question. This is to monitor any unexpected changes in their condition
Signs your child's condition is getting worse
We see you as a partner in the care we are providing and want you to raise any worries and concerns you have. Please tell us if your child:
- has a temperature – sweating or hot or cold to the touch
- has a high-pitched or abnormal cry
- has any changes to how their skin looks (pale, a rash, sores or blisters)
- is less responsive or floppy and difficult to wake
- is irritable and will not settle
- is not interested in feeding, eating or drinking
- is breathing faster than usual, grunting with each breath or wheezing
- is weeing much less or have blood in their poo
- or tell us about anything else that worries you
Telling our staff about these changes can help us detect deterioration early, so that we can take action to prevent more serious health problems.
What to do if you're worried that your child is getting worse
- First, speak to the team caring for your child
- If, after speaking to the care team, you are still worried and feel your concerns are not being addressed, call 020 7188 6404 for a rapid review.
When to call 020 7188 6404
- You are worried your child is getting worse.
- You already talked to the ward nurses and doctors.
- You think there is confusion about what needs to be done for the child or young person in hospital.
Please ask a nurse to call this number if you cannot do this yourself.
Your call will go to a different team in our hospital, who specialise in the care of critically ill patients. They will work with you and your child's care team to arrange any treatment needed or another review. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
What you need to tell us
- The name of the patient and the hospital and ward they're staying in.
- What your concern is and what has already been done.
- Your name, contact details and relationship with the patient.
What we will do when you call
- Respond to your message within 1 hour.
- Visit the patient to check on them.
- Talk to the team looking after your child and agree actions with them.
- Tell you about how your child is doing and the actions being taken, and check you have no other worries.
Find out more about Martha's Rule on the Guy's and St Thomas' website.