Advocating for Care: Ryan's Rule

What is Ryan's Rule?

In a clinical setting, intuition is often your most powerful tool. If you or a loved one are in a hospital in Queensland and you feel that something is seriously wrong—and your concerns are not being heard or acted upon by the medical staff—you have the right to escalate your concerns. This escalation process is called Ryan's Rule.

Ryan's Rule was established in memory of Ryan Saunders, a young boy who tragically passed away after an undiagnosed infection. His parents were deeply concerned that he was not getting better, but their concerns were dismissed by staff until it was too late. The rule exists to ensure that patients and their families always have a formalized way to request an independent clinical review.

When and Why Should You Use It?

You should invoke Ryan's Rule if you are currently admitted to any Queensland Health public hospital (or certain private facilities that have adopted similar protocols) and you experience the following:

• You feel the patient's condition is getting worse, or not improving as expected.
• You have already spoken to a nurse or doctor about your concerns, but you feel they have not been adequately addressed.
• You feel that crucial signs of deterioration are being missed or dismissed.

How to Initiate Ryan's Rule

Invoking Ryan's Rule is a simple, 3-step process. Do not feel intimidated about using it; it is a fundamental patient right designed specifically to prevent devastating outcomes.

1. Step 1: Talk to a nurse or doctor directly about your concerns. If you are still unsatisfied with the response...
2. Step 2: Talk to the Nurse in Charge of the shift. If you are still deeply concerned...
3. Step 3: Call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) to effectively "call a Code Ryan." Request a Ryan's Rule Clinical Review and provide the patient's name, hospital, and ward. A senior clinician outside of your current treating team will be dispatched to review the patient.

Birth and medical care require immense trust, but you must always trust your own inner knowing first. Never be afraid to ask questions, demand second opinions, or use the tools available to keep yourself and your family safe.