What is a Call for Concern and why has this been introduced?
A Call for Concern is a patient safety initiative that empowers patients, families, carers, and staff to request an urgent clinical review if they have concerns about a patient’s deteriorating condition that they feel is not being adequately addressed.
This initiative was introduced in response to tragic cases like that of Martha Mills, a 13-year-old who died from sepsis after her family’s concerns were not addressed promptly. This is known as Martha’s Rule.
When should I make a Call for Concern?
A Call for Concern can be used by a patient if they feel their condition is worsening or by their family, friends, or carers if they notice something isn’t quite right.
A Call for Concern should be considered if a patient experiences worsening symptoms such as:
• Breathlessness
• Changes in mental state (e.g. distress, hallucinations, delirium)
• Rapid heart rate
• Anything else that seems unusual or not quite right
We would always encourage speaking to the ward nurse or doctor in the first instance.
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How do I raise a concern?
Step 1 – Discuss your concerns with the ward nurse or doctor.
Step 2 – Still concerned? Call our team on 07818 980974.
Your call will go through to our Critical Care Outreach Team who manage the Call for Concern service. They will assist with a review and will ask for the following information:
• The patient’s name
• The ward they are on
• A brief description of the problem and what has happened already
• Your contact details and relationship to the patient
• Your preferred language or communication method (Please note: occasionally the team will be dealing with an emergency. You may be asked to leave a message and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as possible, up to a maximum of four hours later).
Step 3 – Upon receiving your call, the team will determine the best actions and look to update you accordingly.
When is it NOT appropriate to make a Call for Concern?
The ward team will be best placed to answer any questions or concerns raised about:
• Care
• Beds
• Rooms
• Food
• Facilities
• Parking
• Other general updates / information
• Any other reasonable adjustments
Alternatively, you can also raise concerns with our Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS), who will provide confidential, impartial advice on how best to raise these.
sft.pals@nhs.net
01722 42904 
Our staff at Salisbury District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of ¾¨Ó㴫ý Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.
