National recognition for Yorkshire and Humber Martha’s Rule pilot | News

A paediatric consultant at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust has been nationally recognised as part of a team leading a regional pilot of Martha’s Rule for children and young people.

Martha’s Rule is a national patient safety initiative ensuring concerns about a patient’s deterioration are heard and acted on. Patients, families and carers can request a rapid review from a different team if they feel their concerns are not being addressed, while staff can also request a review if they are worried about a patient.

The approach recognises that patients and those closest to them may notice small changes that could be early signs of deterioration, sometimes before these are identified through routine clinical observations.

Dr Ben Richardson, Consultant Paediatrician at the Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, is Clinical Lead for the Yorkshire and Humber Paediatric Critical Care Operational Delivery Network (PCC ODN) Martha’s Rule pilot. He led the pilot alongside Hannah Stacey, Engagement Lead Nurse, and Gemma Bradley, Network Manager.

Together, the team received a national HSJ Patient Safety Award in the Paediatrics and CYP Safety Initiative of the Year category for their work leading the Yorkshire and Humber pilot, one of three regional paediatric Martha’s Rule pilots in the country.

As part of the pilot, NHS organisations across the region have developed a paediatric approach to Martha’s Rule, including regional guidance, clinical assessment and teaching resources, and engagement with parents and carers.

Talib Yaseen, Chief Nursing Officer at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, said: “It’s fantastic to see this work recognised nationally.

“Ben, Hannah and Gemma have worked alongside colleagues across Yorkshire and the Humber to help ensure children, young people and their families feel listened to when they have concerns about a patient’s condition.

“This award is a well-deserved recognition of their commitment to improving patient safety.”