Families with concern can access hospital review

A service that offers people access to a dedicated team if they are worried about a loved one's condition has been extended to Pilgrim Hospital in Boston.

Call for Concern allows deteriorating patients and their families to dial a phone number at the hospital and request an urgent review.

Prof Ciro Rinaldi, deputy medical director at United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said the service offered a "clear and direct way for patients, families and carers to escalate their concerns".

It has been developed as part of the implementation of Martha's Rule, which was introduced following the death of Martha Mills in 2001, who died after developing sepsis in hospital in London.

Her family's concerns about her deteriorating condition were not responded to and in 2023 an inquest found a change of care plan could have prevented the 13-year-old's death.

Nerea Odongo, group chief nurse for Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group, said: "In Lincolnshire, the critical care outreach team will be responsible for these reviews.

"They have extensive experience in caring for patients whose conditions may be worsening. This team, made up of specialist doctors and nurses, collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure that appropriate care plans are in place."

The service has been available at Lincoln County Hospital since December 2024 and NHS England said 2025 and 2026 will see further developments to extend the scheme and adapt it where necessary.

The national hospital body said almost one out of every eight phone calls made under the Martha's Rule scheme has led to a potentially life-saving change of treatment.

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