The UK government has announced that National Health Service (NHS) staff, both current and former, who refuse to cooperate with future reviews could face up to two years in prison. This measure is part of an extension of "Martha's Rule," a policy aimed at increasing accountability within the NHS.
The announcement follows a major review into failures at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust, where a significant number of senior staff reportedly refused to participate in the investigation. The review, led by Donna Ockenden, found that 66 former and current senior colleagues were approached, but only 37 came forward, with 35 being interviewed. [
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Anthony May, the chief executive of NUH, expressed that he was "shocked and upset" by the findings of the maternity review. He stated that all senior executives currently employed by the organization had engaged with the review, and he had encouraged them to do so. However, he acknowledged that "those who have left the organisation may have made a different choice."
Families affected by the failings at NUH have emphasized the importance of accountability. The Ockenden review examined widespread failings that led to the deaths of babies and caused avoidable harm. [
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The extension of Martha's Rule aims to ensure that all individuals involved in such critical reviews provide necessary information, with non-compliance potentially leading to severe legal consequences. This legislative action signals a stronger stance by the government on holding healthcare professionals accountable for their actions and transparency during investigations.