The partnership has been named a finalist in the Patient Involvement in Safety Award category at the HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2026 for their project ‘Martha’s Rule – Equitable Access for Members of the Deaf Community’. Bolton NHS Foundation Trust recognised that the usual escalation processes often rely on verbal communication and that some deaf people may not be able to access the care they need. The trust worked closely with Bolton Deaf Society and members of the deaf community to develop more accessible ways for deaf patients to seek help. Deaf community representatives collaborated with clinical teams to identify barriers and design practical solutions to these problems. The initiative aims to ensure deaf patients have equal access to patient safety systems and can escalate concerns effectively when needed.