‘Jess’s rule’ posters remind GPs in England to re-examine patients’ symptoms

Key Highlights

• It is named after Jessica Brady, a 27-year-old who contacted her surgery 20 times before dying of cancer in 2020. Jess’s rule urges family doctors to consider a second opinion, conduct a face-to-face physical examination or order more tests if a patient has had three appointments for their symptoms but no diagnosis. Posters advertising Jess’s rule have been sent to all 6,170 GP practices in England.
• The system was launched in September but the new posters will boost patient safety by reminding GPs to rethink initial assumptions, ministers said. Jessica Brady and her mother, Andrea.
• AWes Streeting, the health secretary, said: “Every patient deserves to be heard, and every serious illness deserves to be caught early.
• Jess’s rule makes that possible, reminding clinicians to take a fresh look when symptoms persist and empowering patients to speak up about their care.“This is a fitting tribute to Jessica Brady and the tireless campaigning of her parents.
• Their determination to turn tragedy into lasting change will help protect patients and save lives for years to come.”The posters were co-designed by Brady’s parents, Andrea and Simon Brady, NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care.