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Ryan's Rule

Do you know how and when to call Ryan’s Rule?

Ryan's Rule is a three-step process to help patients, their families and carers raise concerns if they feel a patient’s condition is getting worse, or not improving as well as expected while they are in hospital.

Steps for initiating Ryan's Rule

  1. Talk to a nurse or doctor about your concerns. If you are not satisfied, go to the next step.
  2. Talk to the nurse in charge of the shift. If you are not satisfied, go to the next step.
  3. Phone 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or ask a nurse to call the number for you and request a Ryan’s Rule clinical review. You will need to provide the following:
    • hospital name
    • patient’s name
    • ward and bed number (if known)
    • your contact number.

Once Ryan's Rule is enacted, a nurse or doctor will undertake a clinical review of the patient and the treatment they are receiving.


Last updated 10 Nov 2025