A new rule giving patients and their families a louder voice has been hailed as a potential "game-changer" after being adopted by all of Norfolk's main hospitals. The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, the Queen Elizabeth in King's Lynn and the James Paget in Gorleston have all been included in the initial rollout of 'Martha's rule'. Named after Martha Mills, a 13-year-old girl who died from sepsis, the rule allows patients, families and carers to request an urgent, independent second opinion if they feel their loved one is deteriorating and their concerns are not being heard.
A rollout of the rule was announced by the NHS this month, with 143 hospital sites nationally involved in a trial run of the approach. The move has been welcomed by Norwich businessman Marcus Pearcey, whose father Michael died in February while being treated at the Norfolk and Norwich. Mr Pearcey, an 85-year-old retired offshore worker from Postwick, had been admitted for a routine operation, but deteriorated after developing sepsis during his recovery and died on February 22 of multiple organ failure.
Mr Pearcey said he felt Martha's rule would have made a huge difference if it was in effect while his father was being treated. He said: "Martha's rule is going to be a massive game-changer for people. "I feel like I am quite a confident person when it comes to making my voice heard, but I was just lost at the time and had no real idea where to turn.
"This will make a huge difference as I think if I.
