Patient and family empowerment in patient safety in the UK; is this the start of a golden age or another false dawn?

Summary

The last two or three years have seen an unprecedented number of developments in the UK (England in particular) which can be loosely described as being advances or planned advances in patient and family empowerment (or “engagement” in patient safety). This editorial from Peter Walsh explores the potential and challenges of Martha's Rule, Hillsborough Law, Patient Safety Partners, the Harmed Patient Pathway and the Independent Advice and Advocacy.