Martha Mills doctor's failings 'particularly grave' – tribunal

Written by Philippa Roxby, a health reporter, Martha Mills tragically died from sepsis in a London hospital in 2021 due to the grossly negligent care provided by a doctor, according to a medical tribunal. The tribunal highlighted the particularly grave nature of the failings in Martha’s care. This event led to the implementation of Martha’s Rule in England, granting parents the right to seek an urgent second opinion in hundreds of hospitals across the country.

Prof Richard Thompson, the consultant responsible for Martha’s care, failed to recognize the severity of her condition following a bike accident in the summer of 2021. Despite showing signs of deterioration, Martha was not examined in person or transferred to intensive care when necessary. The tribunal found that Prof Thompson’s ability to practice medicine is impaired, but the decision on disciplinary action is still pending.

Martha was admitted to King’s College Hospital in London following a bike accident during a family holiday which resulted in serious injuries to her pancreas. Despite being in the hospital for a month, Martha developed an infection and subsequently sepsis. Her parents, Merope Mills and Paul Laity, voiced their frustration over the inadequate treatment their daughter received, emphasizing that her fatal outcome could have been prevented.

The General Medical Council (GMC) alleged that Prof Thompson breached several standards of care leading up to Martha’s death. The tribunal concluded that Martha’s condition warranted immediate transfer to intensive care, but this crucial step was overlooked. Prof Thompson’s reluctance to move Martha was not justified, confirming his impaired fitness to practice. Martha’s parents expressed relief over the tribunal’s findings, underscoring the importance of acknowledging the mistakes that resulted in their daughter’s tragic and preventable death

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