Call for Concern supports patients, families and carers to request an urgent review if they are worried that a patient’s condition is getting worse and is not being adequately recognised by the ward teams. This service is also known as Martha’s Rule. 
While someone is in hospital, their vital signs and other important health measurements will be checked regularly by the clinical team. The frequency of these checks will depend on the patient’s individual condition and needs. Sometimes we may need to wake patients to do these checks. In addition, we will ask at least daily if they are feeling better, the same or worse. This is to monitor any unexpected changes in their condition and provides an opportunity to discuss the patients plan of care.
Patients and their loved ones can also help to detect the early signs of unexpected deterioration, such as:
- Worsening pain
- Levels of hydration
- Any changes to the skin (e.g. rash)
- Changes in breathing
- Low energy, drowsy, or sleepy
- New confusion
- Changes in temperature – hot or cold to touch
- Anything that does not feel right
Telling ward staff about any of these changes can help to detect deterioration early so action can be taken to prevent more serious health problems.
When you should contact Call for Concern
If you are concerned that you or a loved one’s condition is unexpectedly deteriorating, you should first speak to the ward team about your concerns.
If your concerns are not resolved, ask to speak to the nurse in charge on the ward.
If, after speaking to the ward team, you remain worried and feel your concerns about an unexpected deterioration are not being addressed, contact Call for Concern. The service is coordinated by the Critical Care Outreach Team, which specialises in the care of people who are very unwell and whose condition may be worsening.
The team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to support the ward teams by assessing and reviewing patients, as well as offering advice to nurses and doctors on how to manage the patient’s condition.
The service is available at Lincoln County Hospital and Pilgrim Hospital Boston.
You can contact Call for Concern by calling the following numbers:
Lincoln County Hospital: 07393 009049
Pilgrim Hospital Boston: 07761 053863
Please make sure you have the following information before making your call:
- The name of the patient you are concerned about
- The ward they are currently staying on
- A brief description of your concerns
A member of the team may provide advice over the phone or, after prioritising the urgency of the problem, visit the ward to discuss your concerns further and assess the situation.
The team, through their independent assessment, will ensure an appropriate care plan is in place for the patient.
The practitioner will gain consent from the patient before liaising with the ward team and will update you or your loved one accordingly. If the patient is too unwell to provide consent, the team will communicate with their nominated next of kin.
At times, we may not be able to answer your call immediately, but you can leave a message with the above details and a contact number. We will call you back as soon as possible.
Please ensure you have discussed any concerns with the ward teams prior to calling the Call for Concern team.
Using the Call for Concern service will not negatively impact the patient’s care in any way.
Who to contact if your concern is not about a patient’s deteriorating condition
Please do not use Call for Concern for general questions and advice about hospital services, such as general patient care, appointments, food and parking.
To report any issues that would be regarded as a complaint related to your hospital stay including communication, plans of care or any other general concerns please speak with the ward nurse or ward sister/charge nurse. You can also request to have contact details for the Divisional Matron to discuss any issues further if needed. General queries can also be directed to the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). This is a free and confidential service that can provide patients, relatives and carer’s independent help, support and information.
PALS can also be used to comment on any aspect of your care; they will liaise with staff and managers to address issues quickly. They can also refer you to specialist agencies for further help.
The team can be contacted via email to [email protected] or by telephone on 01522 707071 or 01205 446243.
More information about what PALS can and cannot help with can also be found on our website.
View the Call for Concern service leaflet online.
Call for Concern in other Lincolnshire hospitals
The Call for Concern service is also available in John Coupland Hospital in Gainsborough, County Hospital, Louth, Skegness Hospital and Johnson Community Hospital in Spalding.