We are working with NHS England to trial a new way for you to raise concerns about your or your loved one’s condition whilst staying as an inpatient with us.
This is called “Call for Concern” and has been created in response to the Martha’s Rule legislation. Our trust is part of the first phase of Martha’s rule – regional pilot programme
Martha’s Rule – Call for Concern will first be tested on two of our trust’s wards at the end of January:
- Ward 6A – Yeovil Hospital
- Hestercombe South ward – Musgrove Park Hospital
What is 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.
How does Call for Concern work and what can you expect?
CCOT are a team of nurses experienced in the management of seriously ill and deteriorating patients. The CCOT will aim to get back to you as soon as possible. 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.
When to make a Call for Concern
If you have concerns, these should first be discussed with the ward team.
If, after doing so, you feel your concerns are not being addressed, or if you feel there are inconsistencies in how care is being given, you can make a Call for Concern as a patient or as a relative, friend or carer worried about a patient’s clinical condition.
Please note, a Call for Concern is not able to assist with:
- 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.
How to make a Call for Concern
- 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.