What is Martha's Rule?
If you are worried that you or someone you care for is getting worse while they are an inpatient at Darent Valley Hospital, tell the ward team. If you are still worried and feel your concerns are not being addressed, you can use Martha's Rule to request an urgent review.
Martha’s Rule allows friends and family of a patient who is in hospital to seek an urgent review if the condition of a loved one is deteriorating. It is NOT a rapid assessment of a patient's diagnosis or non-clinical concerns.
Non-clinical concerns should be addressed through the Ward Staff or Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). Telephone: 01322 428382 Email: dgn-tr.PALS@nhs.net
Still concerned? Call for a review
Call: 01322 428652
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Your call will be assessed and, where there is a clinical concern, our Critical Care Outreach Team will review the patient on the ward.
When you call, please tell us:
• the patient's name
• the ward they are on
• what you are concerned about
• your relationship to the patient and your contact details
If the phone isn't answered straight away, leave these details and the team will call you back as soon as possible.
Information in other languages
Click here for translated Martha’s Rule information