Managing Deterioration and Martha’s Rule

Overview

One of the key aims of the NHS Patient Safety Collaboratives (PSCs) is to prevent deterioration related harm. The Managing Deterioration National Patient Safety Improvement Programme aims to reduce deterioration-associated harm through better system co-ordination and as part of safe and reliable pathways of care.

Martha's Rule

In May 2024, NHS England announced the roll out of Martha's Rule in support of preventing deterioration related harm. The Patient Safety Collaboratives (PSCs), which sit within the 15 Health Innovation Networks (HINs) across England, have been selected as key delivery partners.

During the first pilot year (2024/25) the Health Innovation Network (HIN) South London supported 13 pilot sites across 7 NHS Trusts to introduce and test Martha’s Rule. This support continues in the second year of testing, with all acute hospital sites in south London now participating in the Martha’s Rule programme.