Call 4 Concern (Martha’s Rule) service
Call 4 Concern is a patient safety service that enables patients, families and carers to call for immediate help and advice when they feel something is wrong, their condition is getting worse, and they donāt feel the team caring for them or their loved one has recognised the change. It is also known as Marthaās Rule.
Our Critical Care Outreach team are available 24 hours a day and will respond to your Call 4 Concern. They are there to support ward teams in the care of acutely ill patients. Patient Safety is our top priority.
When to contact Critical Care Outreach
The critical care outreach team can be contacted directly if you have already spoken to the ward nurse or doctor about a noticeable change in the patient and you feel yourĀ health care team is not recognising your concern.
How to contact our Critical Care Outreach
The contact number for the critical care outreach team is available on the wards taking part in the Call 4 Concern pilot initiative at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.
Responding to your call
When you call the Critical Care Outreach team, they will need to know:
- the patientās name
- the ward they are on
- a brief description of your concern.
Sometimes, we are unable to take your call immediately, but you can leave a message providing the information listed above.
After prioritising the urgency of the problem, the Critical Care Outreach team will liaise with your medical team and other healthcare professionals as needed, to discuss your concerns and assess the situation.
Use Call 4 Concern if you have ongoing concerns after you have spoken to the ward nurse or doctor. Donāt worry that using this service will negatively affect the patientās care in any way. We recognise that sometimes the patient or a close loved one can see that something is wrong. No one knows your health care needs better than you and your family.
When NOT to Call 4 Concern
For enquiries or issues regarding hospital beds, rooms, food, parking or any other general issues please speak to your nurse or the ward manager.
Or our patient advice and liaison service (PALS) can also provide you with āon the spotā help and information. Contact our patient advice and liaison service (PALS) team: on 01296 831120 or email bht.pals@nhs.net
Further information
You can find out more information about Call 4 Concern, also known as Marthaās Rule, on the NHS England website:
www.england.nhs.uk/patient-safety/marthas-rule