Call for concern

Call for Concern is a national patient safety initiative that is part of Martha's Rule, and provides a 24/7 phoneline to our Critical Care Outreach team for patients, families or carers to raise urgent concerns if you are worried that you or your loved one’s condition is getting worse, despite raising it with the ward team, and you want a rapid review from a critical care team.

You can read more about Martha's Rule on the NHS website >

Our hard-working clinical colleagues work extremely hard to deliver quality care to all of our patients, including regular checks of a patient’s vital signs, and other health measurements, but we recognise that at times, a patient or their loved ones can see that something is wrong before we can - and even after sharing this with the ward team, if you feel your concerns are not being addressed, you may request a rapid review.

How do I use Call for Concern?

Call for Concern is a phoneline that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week - staffed by our dedicated Critical Care Outreach (CCO) team.

The CCO team will triage the call, provide advice, and, if needed, visit the patient to assess the situation and speak to the clinical team. Patients will always be asked for their consent before any assessments or discussions take place.

If you would like to use the Call for Concern line, please contact:

  • Royal Derby Hospital: 07788 388 471
  • Queen's Hospital Burton: 07553 598 525

To read more about the team who would handle your call, visit our Critical Care Outreach team page on our website >

Do I lodge complaints through Call for Concern?

No, Call for Concern is not where you should raise formal complaints.

If you have any concerns beyond the patient's immediate care, please raise these with the team or ward directly, however if you would prefer to speak with someone who is not directly involved in the care provided, you can reach out to the Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS).

If you need assistance, advice, information, or simply wish to discuss an enquiry, concern, make a comment, or share a positive experience, please contact our PALS team.

The PALS team is here to listen to your feedback, understand your concerns, and discuss the best way to address your enquiry. They can also provide advice and details about independent advocacy and support services available in your area.

To contact the team, please visit the PALS page on our website >

What things might make me Call for Concern?

You can use the Call for Concern for changes that you may notice in a patient before anyone else does, such as:

  • Seeming 'not themselves' or different to usual
  • Breathing differently
  • Sweating or unusual skin colour
  • Reduced urine output or not passing urine
  • More sleepy than usual, or confused
  • Hands feel very cold or hot
  • In pain and/or looking uncomfortable

After you have explained your concerns to the Critical Care Outreach team, they will prioritise the urgency of the problem, and will visit the ward to discuss your concerns and liaise with the patient's medical team - instigating treatment or further review if deemed necessary.

When should I not Call for Concern?

Call for Concern is to be used only for concerns about unwell inpatients who require an urgent clinical response. There is a difference between Martha’s Rule and second opinion.

  • Martha's Rule: allows hospital inpatients and their families to seek a rapid review if their condition, or the condition of a loved one, is deteriorating.
  • A second opinion: when you would like to see another consultant to discuss any diagnosis or treatment.