Patients across England will benefit from a new life-saving patient safety initiative, Jess’ Rule, which is being rolled out across the NHS today.
The rule is named in memory of Jessica Brady, who tragically died of cancer at just 27 after multiple missed opportunities for diagnosis.
Jess’ Rule requires GPs to reconsider a patient’s diagnosis if, after three appointments, they have not reached a clear conclusion or if symptoms have worsened. The initiative aims to ensure that persistent or escalating symptoms are never overlooked, helping to catch potentially deadly illnesses earlier and avoid preventable deaths.
While some GP practices already use similar approaches, Jess’s Rule will now become standard practice nationwide, supporting GPs to:
- Arrange face-to-face consultations if previous appointments were remote
- Conduct thorough physical examinations
- Order additional diagnostic tests
- Review patient records comprehensively
- Seek second opinions or refer to specialists when appropriate
Research shows that younger patients and those from ethnic minority backgrounds often face delays in diagnosis, as their symptoms may not fit typical patterns. Jess’s Rule is designed to address these inequalities, ensuring everyone receives the same high standard of care.
Jess’ Rule was developed in collaboration with the Royal College of General Practitioners and NHS England, and builds on the recent rollout of Martha’s Rule in hospitals. It is part of the government’s wider Plan for Change, which includes:
- Recruiting over 2,000 extra GPs in a year
- Investing over £1 billion in GP practices for 2025–26
- Expanding surgery space and improving patient access
NHS England’s National Medical Director, Dr Claire Fuller, said:
“I am very humbled by the efforts of Andrea and Simon Brady, who have campaigned for this important initiative which will undoubtedly save lives by avoiding missed or delayed diagnoses and ensuring patients receive the right treatment at the right time.
“Many clinicians already apply a version of “three strikes and rethink” in their routine practice, but Jess’s Rule formalises this instinctive approach, providing a consistent structure to support reflection and timely action for patients.”
Recent figures show rising public satisfaction with GP services, with 73.6% of patients rating their experience as “good”.
By supporting GPs to catch illnesses earlier, Jess’s Rule will help reduce hospital backlogs, improve patient outcomes, and save lives – ensuring Jessica Brady’s legacy leads to lasting change in patient safety.
Image credit: iStock
