England to expand "Martha's Rule" for second opinions in A&E

VERA Brief

AI-generated. Grounded in the article and its cited sources.

Martha's Rule, a policy allowing patients, families, and staff to request a second medical opinion, will be expanded to all accident and emergency departments in England. This measure aims to improve patient safety and care.

Key facts

• Martha's Rule allows patients, their loved ones, and healthcare professionals to request a second medical opinion.
• The policy will be implemented across all accident and emergency departments in England.
• The initiative was initially trialed in two NHS trusts.
• The expansion is intended to provide an additional safety net for patients and address concerns about timely medical review.
• The move follows recommendations from a review into the care of a young patient.