Responding to confirmation that 143 hospital sites will test and roll out the "Martha's Rule" patient safety initiative in its first year, the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said:

"It is heartening to see such a positive response to this initiative, reflecting trusts' commitment to safe, high quality care for patients.

"This should always be a partnership between clinical teams patients and their families.

"We know that where similar schemes are already in place a rapid review of a patient's condition prompted by staff, families or carers has led to improved care and lives being saved.

"Leaders across the NHS know more needs to be done to improve patient safety and the importance of creating an open and learning culture as the foundation of safe and effective care.

"This is a further helpful step to support that important goal."