Here's Nursing Associate, Karen Greenwood, with a thank you card sent from Martha's Rule Matron, Joanne Briggs. Karen and others have been praised for embracing Martha's Rule.

The Respiratory Support Unit and Medical Ward 5A are currently part of a trial linked to Martha's Rule, which includes incorporating a patient wellness questionnaire into our colleagues' daily practice. 

Joanne has been leading the initiative as our Martha's Rule Matron, ensuring its principles are embedded in daily clinical practice. During a recent review of compliance on both wards, it was clear that three colleagues have gone above and beyond in championing the Martha’s Rule patient assessments.

Joanne said: "Development Sister Erika Retana, Staff Nurse Purity Mbiza and Nursing Associate Karen Greenwood all work on 5A and have demonstrated exemplary commitment to the Martha's Rule process, with consistent engagement and clear, thorough documentation now being a seamless part of their clinical routine.

"A heartfelt thank you to all three of them for being outstanding Martha's Rule champions. Your dedication is making a real difference - keep up the fantastic work!"

Erika said: "Implementing Martha’s Rule is important to me because it represents practical, patient-centred reform. It empowers patients and families to voice concerns and seek review when they feel something is wrong, which can be instrumental in preventing tragedies, like the death of Martha Mills. Its adoption reflects a genuine commitment to safer, more responsive care, where patients and their loved ones are heard and actively involved in decisions. 

"Although we've always worked closely with the Acute Response Team, since the introduction of Martha's Rule, there's been a noticeable increase in patient and family voices being heard. This has led to earlier recognition of clinical deterioration and more timely interventions. Across the Respiratory Floor, I've seen several patients transferred promptly to the Respiratory Support Unit after early signs of worsening condition were identified - much of which can be credited to the awareness and empowerment Martha's Rule brings."

For more information on Martha's Rule please see our intranet or website pages.