Martha's Rule - Call for Concern

Step 1

Speak to the ward team first. They are the first point of contact if you are worried or concerned about your relative’s current medical condition while in hospital. You may find the bullet points in our How to talk to us about you/your loved one’s condition webpage a helpful guide.

Step 2

Has your concern been resolved? If not, ask to speak to the nurse in charge or doctors on the ward.

Step 3

If you are still worried you can make a Call for Concern.

Experience tells us that patients or those that matter to them can identify the early subtle signs of their condition getting worse or any deterioration, often before healthcare professionals. This is because you know yourself/loved one best and know their normal health and behaviours.

You should always look to speak to the ward team first, but if you feel that your concern about becoming more unwell is not being heard, Call for Concern enables you to call the Critical Care Outreach Team (CCOT) for help or advice. The CCOT can review the patient and raise awareness of any deterioration (the child or adult becoming more unwell) with the relevant team.

CCOT are a team of nurses experienced in the management of seriously ill and deteriorating patients. We may be unable to take your telephone call immediately, please leave a message to include:

• the name of the patient
• your name
• your contact number (if you are not the patient)
• the ward
• a brief overview of your concern

CCOT will review the details provided and visit the patient on the ward to discuss the concern and assess as needed. Please be aware that due to the nature of their work, the CCOT team may be dealing with an emergency but will be with you as soon as possible. If you are concerned that the patient’s condition is deteriorating quickly, please urgently speak to the ward team.

The team will work with you, your family and ward team to ensure the most appropriate management plan and treatment options are in place to address your specific health concerns. We will keep you informed of any discussions regarding changes in care plans.

• patients at home
• parking
• visiting times
• hospital food
• hospital cleanliness
• complaints
• any other general issues.

The following teams may be able to help with the issues listed above:

• ward nurses and doctors
• ward managers
• ward matron
• patient engagement and PALS teams
• chaplaincy team.

• Musgrove Park Hospital – 07350 434 229
• Yeovil Hospital – 07827 280 522

If your call is not answered, please leave a message with your name, name of the patient, ward, contact number and brief overview of your concern and we will contact you as soon as possible. Alternatively you can make a direct referral.