The NHS has issued a warning to parents, urging them to remember one 'rule'. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, it reminds people of Martha's Rule - and who she was.

This life-saving and crucial rule 'helps detect deterioration in hospital patients early and it applies to every patient'. In a message to parents specifically, it urges them to say something.

It continued: "If your child is ever in hospital, trust your instincts and speak up if you notice any changes that worry you."

So what else do you need to know, here is what the NHS England writes.

The NHS explains: "Martha's Rule is a patient safety initiative to support the early detection of deterioration by ensuring the concerns of patients, families, carers and staff are listened to and acted upon.

"It has been developed in response to the death of Martha Mills and other cases related to the management of deterioration. Central to Martha's Rule is the right for patients, families and carers to request a rapid review if they are worried that their or their loved one's condition is getting worse and their concerns are not being responded to."

It adds: "Martha's Rule recognises that those who know the patient best may be the first to notice changes that could be an early sign of deterioration, and the importance of listening to and acting on the concerns of patients, families, and carers. It is being implemented in both adult and children's inpatient settings in England."

Martha Mills passed away in 2021 after developing sepsis while in hospital, where she had been admitted with a pancreatic injury following a cycling accident. Despite her family's repeated concerns about her worsening condition, their warnings "were not responded to".

In 2023, a coroner concluded that Martha, who was 13 years old, would likely have survived if she had been transferred to intensive care sooner. In response to this and similar cases involving the handling of clinical deterioration, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care at the time, along with NHS England, committed to introducing 'Martha's Rule' across the NHS.

Rapid reviews are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling your hospital's dedicated number for this service. A rapid review means "your request will go to a different team in the hospital who specialise in the care of very ill patients. They will work with you and your child's care team to arrange any treatment needed or further review."

NHS issues alert to all UK parents over one crucial 'rule' - The Mirror