Sepsis is blood poisoning and is life threatening. It works its way round the body quickly and is often missed or misdiagnosed until it’s too late. World Sepsis Day (13 September) is a good moment to remind people how to spot the warning signs of Sepsis, and how the recently adopted ‘Martha’s Rule’ can help avoid a tragic situation occurring.
What is sepsis – and why this day matters
Sepsis is the body’s over-reaction to getting an infection. According to the UK Sepsis Trust, in the UK, around 245,000 people are affected by sepsis each year and 48,000 people die from it.
Anyone can get Sepsis, although it mainly affects young children, the elderly and those with existing health conditions.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, better known as NICE, provides guidance for health practitioners. In relation to Sepsis, it provides clear advice: early recognition, early antibiotics (when clinically indicated), and rapid escalation save lives.
If you’re reading this because someone is unwell right now: follow NHS advice and call 999 if you see red-flag symptoms, such as:
- confusion,
- very fast breathing,
- skin that’s blue/grey/pale or blotchy,
- a non-blanching rash.
In Wales, NHS 111 Wales provides the same urgent guidance.
What is Martha’s Rule?
After the death of 13-year-old Martha Mills from sepsis, her parents campaigned for, and got, a change in the way parents and family can have speedy access to a Critical Outreach Team. Now, if you think the health care plan you or a loved one have been given isn’t right, or the person’s condition is getting worse, you are able to call for an independent rapid review by a different clinical team. That’s Martha’s Rule.
As of 4 September 2025, Martha’s Rule is in place in all 210 acute hospitals in England. Before that date, in the first year, when it was gradually being introduced in acute hospitals there were 4,906 calls to hospital helplines, triggering 241 potential life-saving interventions
What about Wales?
Wales is adopting a patient and family-initiated escalation model called Call 4 Concern. It’s being implemented by health boards (for example, Betsi Cadwaladr and Aneurin Bevan have services live). The Welsh Government set out the approach in October 2024; rollout and wording may vary locally, so look for “Call 4 Concern” signage on hospital wards.
Campaigners though still want the Welsh government to implement Martha’s Rule in Wales. Recently the parents of Bethan Reece who tragically died from Sepsis due to “a number of delays” added their voices to the call for the Welsh government to follow the lead of the English NHS
When to use Martha’s Rule or Call 4 Concern
If you’re in hospital and you think something’s wrong – worsening pain, breathing changes, confusion, uncontrolled infection, or your gut says “this isn’t right” – use the number on the ward to request a review. It brings a fresh clinical team to the bedside, fast.
When a legal conversation becomes sensible
No one wants to turn a medical crisis into a medical negligence issue. Sometimes, though, there are questions that won’t go away, especially where there are signs of missed sepsis or delays in treatment of sepsis. Sepsis is still not being spotted quickly enough.
A short, initial chat with a specialist medical negligence solicitor is worth the call if any of the following ring true:
- There were delays in recognising sepsis despite red flags or risk factors (for example, high/low temperature, fast breathing/heart rate).
- Antibiotics or fluids were delayed after sepsis was suspected.
- Family concerns were dismissed, and a Martha’s Rule/Call 4 Concern escalation later changed the care plan.
- There were breakdowns in handovers or escalation pathways highlighted by later reviews.
Time limits (England & Wales)
For adults, the general time limit to start a court claim is three years from the incident or from your date of knowledge (when you first knew your injury was significant and likely due to negligent care).
- Children: the clock usually runs from their 18th birthday, giving them until age 21.
- Lack of mental capacity: time limits can be paused while the person lacks capacity.
There are exceptions and court discretion, so if you’re close to the line, get advice promptly.
What to do if you think sepsis care went wrong
- Look after the immediate health issues first. Use Martha’s Rule/Call 4 Concern if you’re still in hospital. Call 999 for red-flag symptoms.
- Write a simple timeline while memories are fresh: dates, symptoms, who said what, and when antibiotics/fluids were given.
- Speak to a specialist team of medical negligence solicitors about next steps, funding (with Mooneerams Solicitors that could be No Win No Fee), and getting independent medical evidence.
- Consider the complaints route first alongside legal advice (PALS in England; “Putting Things Right” in Wales).
Why mention legal rights on World Sepsis Day?
Because awareness and accountability go together. The aim of sepsis claims is not to punish medical staff who are working under pressure. It’s to make sure families are heard, where needed the standard of care improves, and those who suffer serious avoidable harm are compensated.
If in doubt call one of Mooneerams Solicitors team of dedicated medical negligence solicitors on 029 2199 1927 or send us your details using the form on the right-hand side of this page, and we’ll get back to you.
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