Call 4 Concern: 0151 706 5811 (rapid review service)
Call 4 Concern (C4C) - Martha’s Rule: Detecting Deterioration
In May 2024, the Royal Liverpool University Hospital was selected as one of 143 pilot sites across England to test and implement Martha’s Rule: Detecting Deterioration, to spot early signs of patients deteriorating by ensuring the concerns of patients, families, carers and staff are listened to and acted upon.
To ensure colleagues understand the purpose of Martha’s Rule we are using the term ‘Call 4 Concern’.
This vital patient safety initiative gives healthcare staff, patients and their families a clear pathway to raise concerns about rapid deterioration.
It involves staff asking, listening, recording and acting on any changes in condition reported by patients or their loved ones.
It allows staff, patients or their families to request a rapid review from a different team if they notice any deterioration in the patient’s condition that is not being addressed by the local care team.
We are piloting Call 4 Concern on Wards 5X and 5X and 7A and 7D at the Royal, soon we will be exploring how staff on AMU can also get involved ahead of a site-wide roll out over the next year.
For staff involved in the pilot, here’s what you need to do:
- Ask regularly: Check with patients and families at least daily about how they're feeling and if their condition has changed.
- Listen carefully: Patient and family observations matter – they know the patient best. Value the insights of patients, families and colleagues about deterioration.
- Act promptly: You are empowered to escalate concerns and early intervention saves lives. Use our 24/7 rapid review service if your concerns about a patient aren't being adequately addressed through usual channels by calling 0151 706 5811.
A ward processes flow chart has also been developed you can view it here.
Call 4 Concern staff posters are available in the wards on nurse stations, but you can view them here.
Call 4 Concern patient information leaflets are available on the wards, but you can view them here.
If patients want to report problems with their hospital bed, room, food, parking or any other general issues they are encouraged to speak to the nurse or ward manager involved in their care.
Phone: 0151 706 3377
Martha’s Rule: Detecting deterioration early saves lives.
Our trust is implementing Martha's Rule, a vital patient safety initiative that gives healthcare staff, patients and their families a clear pathway to raise concerns about rapid deterioration.
Martha’s Rule is saving lives, and your role is crucial to its success Martha’s Rule involves staff asking, listening, recording and acting on any changes in condition reported by patients or their loved ones.
It allows staff, patients or their families to request a rapid review from a different team if they notice any deterioration in the patient’s condition that is not being addressed by the local care team.
