Merope Mills, the mother whose campaigning after her daughter's preventable death led to the introduction of Martha's Rule in hospitals, has been appointed a CBE in the King's Birthday Honours.
A Mother's Campaign for Change
Mills, a former Guardian journalist, has been recognised for her tireless work to improve patient safety following the death of her 13-year-old daughter, Martha, in 2021. Martha died from sepsis at King's College Hospital in London after a series of failings, including doctors dismissing the family's concerns.
Martha's Rule, now being rolled out across NHS hospitals in England, gives patients and their families the right to an urgent second opinion if they feel their concerns are not being taken seriously. The rule also requires hospitals to have a rapid response team available 24/7 to review such cases.
Mills said she was "deeply honoured" by the award, but stressed that her work was far from over. "This is not just for me, but for all the families who have suffered needless loss and for the campaign to make hospitals safer for everyone," she said.
Impact of Martha's Rule
The introduction of Martha's Rule has been hailed as a landmark moment for patient safety in the UK. Early data from pilot sites suggests it has already helped to identify deteriorating patients earlier and prevented further deaths. Health Secretary Wes Streeting praised Mills as "an extraordinary campaigner whose bravery has already saved lives."
Mills is among several people recognised in the honours list for their work in healthcare, alongside doctors, nurses, and volunteers. The King's Birthday Honours list also includes awards for figures from sport, entertainment, and public service.
Mills's CBE is one of the highest-profile awards in this year's list, reflecting the profound impact of her campaign on the NHS and patient safety culture.
