Summary
A new initiative called "Jess's Rule" will be introduced in all GP surgeries in England. It encourages doctors to reassess a diagnosis if they cannot confirm it after three visits. This rule is named after Jessica Brady, who died from cancer at age 27 after multiple GP visits without a proper diagnosis.
Key Facts
- Jess's Rule urges doctors to reconsider a diagnosis if a patient remains undiagnosed after three appointments.
- The rule is named after Jessica Brady, who contacted her GP over 20 times before being diagnosed with cancer.
- Jessica's initial symptoms were attributed to long Covid, and she was told she was "too young for cancer."
- Andrea Brady, Jessica's mother, supports the initiative, emphasizing patient and doctor cooperation.
- Posters will be placed in GP consultation rooms across England to prompt doctors to reconsider diagnoses.
- The rule aims to improve patient safety by encouraging doctors to revisit patient records and challenge initial assumptions.
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated that early detection of serious illnesses is crucial.
- The poster campaign was developed by the Department of Health, Jessica's parents, and NHS England.
