P-06-1570 Introduce Martha’s Law in Wales to guarantee patients’ and families’ right to a second opinion

Petitions4

This petition was submitted by Dylan Mark Owen, having collected a total of 292 signatures.

Text of petition:

We call on the Welsh Government to introduce Martha’s Law in Wales, giving patients and families a clear legal right to request a second medical opinion when concerns about safety are ignored. Preventable deaths, like that of Martha Mills, show the urgent need for consistent escalation processes. Families in Wales deserve the same protections as in England, so no parent or relative is dismissed when a life is at risk.

Additional information:

The death of Martha Mills in England exposed how families’ concerns can be ignored until it is too late. Her parents’ warnings were dismissed, and she died from a preventable illness. In response, the UK Government is introducing “Martha’s Law” in England, giving patients and families a clear legal right to a second medical opinion if concerns are not being addressed. Families in Wales deserve the same protection. Failings in escalation, communication, and timely diagnosis are not confined to England. In Wales too, families report being dismissed, left in the dark, or forced to fight to be heard while lives hang in the balance. A consistent, legally backed right to escalation across all UK nations would restore public trust in the NHS, ensure transparency, and save lives. We urge the Senedd to act so that patients and families in Wales are not left behind. FOI data shows 1000+ sepsis related deaths at a single hospital since 2018, highlighting the urgent need for Martha's law in Wales.

Status

This petition was considered completed by the Petitions Committee at its meeting on 02/03/2026. 

Full details of the consideration of this petition by the Committee and related documents can be seen on the Meetings tab above. 

It was first considered by the Petitions Committee on 02/03/2026. 

Senedd Constituency and Region

• Cynon Valley
• South Wales Central

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