Clare Christian

Just over 2 years ago, Martha Mills died in hospital of sepsis. Her tragic death was avoidable and is leading to the introduction of Martha’s law - a right for families to get second opinions. She died because of a hospital culture – where questioning and challenge were not routine and speaking up was difficult. The law may be changing but its our culture which needs to change. Everyone of us who works in hospitals, has to ask ourselves, what more can I do to help change the way we work so that others don’t die for the same reason Martha died. We owe it to her. She deserves nothing less. In this week’s Mail’s health section, I look at why Martha died and how future deaths could be avoided.