In 2021 13-year-old Martha Mills developed sepsis whilst in hospital. Her family’s concerns about her deteriorating condition were not promptly addressed. Tragically Martha died.
In response to this and other related cases ‘Martha’s Rule’ is being introduced in hospitals. Patients and families will be given access to a rapid review and second opinion if they believe their concerns are being ignored.
Martha’s parents said yesterday: ‘We believe Martha’s Rule will save lives. In cases of deterioration, families and carers by the bedside can be aware of changes busy clinicians can’t; their knowledge should be recognised as a resource.’
I love the lesser-known Bible stories. This morning I read…
Zelophehad has five daughters but no sons. Zelophehad dies. Israelite law is clear: family land and possessions passes to sons. The daughters come to Moses and the national leaders and ask for a review of the law, a second opinion. The law should changed so that they can have their family inheritance.
Moses consults with his God. The law changes: ‘If a man dies and leaves no son, give his inheritance over to his daughter…’
I’m reading Richard Rohr. He says that John the Baptist, born into a priestly family, could see that the old religious traditions and systems weren’t working. John presents a second opinion:
‘…inaugurating a new expectation inside his own tradition… John saw his religion as a transformation of himself and society instead of merely a belonging system…’
…he was offering a new ‘transformation system’ that was outside the priestly and temple system… that was clearly a critique of the old.’
Rohr goes on to say that Jesus accepted John’s second opinion both publicly and personally…
As I get older I’m more set in my ways and opinions. Sometimes I need to be challenged with a second opinion… Martha’s Rule in questioning a correct diagnosis… Zelophehad’s daughter’s challenge of fairness and justice… John’s critique of outdated religious practices.
Then I need the wisdom and courage to make right choices.
malcolmsmusings.org 
Me too, Bro . . . me too.
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I guess for both of us, Mark, the first stage is realising and admitting it…
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God bless Martha’s parents for initiating the plan for “rapid review and second opinion” in hospitals when deemed necessary.
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They’ve been campaigning hard for the last few years and the recommendations are now being adopted by hospitals.
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I’m sorry for Martha’s parents and family, losing her that way. I think “Martha’s Rule” is a good idea.
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The principle seems to be excellent, Kymber.
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I remember watching our local daughter deteriorate and the doctor wanted to wait till morning to reassess her condition. I asked him for a second opinion and told him I felt she would not be alive by morning at present rate of deterioration.
It was as if he reset his thinking. She was promptly life flighted to a trauma center, quickly diagnosed “septic shock”. She ended up 21 days in the balances and by the Lords hand survived.
Every area of our lives should have a “Martha’s rule” …even our relationship with God can become septic.
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Thanks for adding your story, Gary. It’s really tough to be in that place – you’ve been there and know better than most. Everyone wants the right decisions made and the best care possible for their nearest and dearest.
And your point about Martha’s Rule for other areas of life is a good one. I confess that sometimes I get it wrong because I think that I know best – and I don’t need a second opinion!
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