Government backs Martha’s rule on right to second medical opinion in England

Announcement follows campaign by parents of Martha Mills, 13, who died in hospital after developing sepsis

The health secretary, Steve Barclay, has announced the government is committed to bringing in Martha's rule" in England, making it easier for patients and their families to get a second medical opinion if they believe their concerns are not being taken seriously by medical staff.

It follows a campaign by the parents of Martha Mills, who died in 2021 after hospital doctors failed to admit her to intensive care. Martha, 13, died after developing sepsis while under the care of King's College hospital NHS foundation trust in south London.