Jess’s Rule: A new NHS safety measure to catch illnesses earlier
What is Jess’s Rule?
Jess’s Rule asks GPs to “think again” after three appointments if a diagnosis has not been made or if a patient’s symptoms are getting worse. At that stage, doctors will be encouraged to:
- Review the patient’s full medical record
- Consider additional tests or scans
- Arrange a face-to-face appointment if earlier ones were remote
- Get a second opinion from another GP
- Refer the patient to a specialist if needed
The rule is named after Jessica Brady, a 27-year-old who died of cancer in 2020 after more than 20 GP appointments failed to detect her illness. Her story highlighted the need for faster action when patients return with ongoing or unexplained health problems.
Research shows that younger people and those from ethnic minority backgrounds are more likely to face delays in diagnosis, as their symptoms may not match the usual patterns seen in older or White patients. Jess’s Rule aims to make care more consistent, fair, and responsive for all patients.
Jess’s Rule is part of a wider NHS commitment to improve patient safety, alongside initiatives such as Martha’s Rule in hospitals, which allows patients and families to request urgent reviews if conditions worsen.
Original article: Jessica Brady's legacy inspires new life-saving GP safety rule - GOV.UK
