Martha's Rule
Also known as Call for Concern
Concerned your or a loved one’s health is getting worse?
There is support available to you
Call for Concern, also known as Martha's Rule, gives you a number to call if you think you or your loved one's health condition is getting worse and you feel no one is listening.
This is different to a second opinion, which is when you would like to see another consultant to talk about any diagnosis or treatment.
When should you use Call for Concern?
How it works
Regular check-ins
While someone is in hospital, we check things like their breathing, heart rate and temperature. Sometimes we may need to wake patients to do these checks.
We will also ask at least once a day if they are feeling better or worse. But you may notice small changes before we do.
If you call the number below, the team may give advice over the phone or visit the ward. You may need to provide:
- Patient’s name and ward
- Brief description of the concern and what has already been done
- Your contact details and relationship to the patient
This service should not be used to report general problems regarding a patient’s care, for example issues with the hospital bed, room, food, parking etc.
Please read the different ways you can share feedback or raise more general issues
Additional information
Your role is important
What to look out for
|
Adults
|
Children
|
|
Changes in temparature
|
Feels hot, cold or sweaty
|
|
Worsening pain
|
Has a different cry (high-pitched or sounds unusual)
|
|
Any changes to the skin (e.g. a rash)
|
Looks pale, has a rash or skin sores
|
|
Low energy, drowsy or sleepy
|
Is floppy or hard to wake up
|
|
Levels of hydration
|
Is upset or won't settle
|
|
Changes in breathing
|
Doesn't want to eat or drink
|
|
New confusion
|
Is breathing fast, wheezing, or making a grunting sound
|
|
Anything else that worries you
|
Is weeing much less or has blood in their poo
|
What to do if you are worried
Contact us
1. Speak to the team caring for you or your loved one
2. Call the numbers below if you’re still worried and feel no one is listening
- St Bartholomew's Hospital: 0774 3930 950
- Whipps Cross Hospital: 0754 6655 786
- Newham Hospital: 0782 1666 852
- The Royal London Hospital:
- For patients aged 18 or older: 0203 594 5681
- For patients aged 17 or younger: 0203 594 0166
Your call will go to a specialist team who care for very ill patients. They will work with you and your care team to check things and make any changes if needed.
The service is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Our commitment
Our commitment
We will:
- Ask how you feel about you or your loved one's care
- Take what you say seriously
- Work with you as a team