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Life-saving Jess’s Rule to be displayed in every GP surgery

  • Writer: Healthwatch Reading
    Healthwatch Reading
  • 4 days ago
  • 2 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Jess’s Rule is a new patient safety initiative being displayed in every GP surgery in England from this week onwards. It is designed to help doctors spot serious illnesses earlier by encouraging them to take a "fresh eyes" approach when symptoms continue.

How it works

  • Strike One: A patient visits their GP with symptoms.

  • Strike Two: The patient returns because the symptoms continue or worsen.

  • Strike Three: The patient attends again and there is still no clear diagnosis.

At this point, doctors are encouraged to stop and rethink.


What does 'rethink' mean?

It may include:

  • Reviewing the patient’s medical history

  • Arranging a face-to-face appointment

  • Ordering further tests or investigations

  • Asking a colleague for a second opinion

  • Making a referral if needed


Why Jess’s Rule matters

Jess’s Rule is named in memory of Jessica Brady (Jess), who died of stage four cancer in 2020 at the age of 27. In the five months before her diagnosis, Jess contacted her GP more than 20 times with ongoing symptoms. Her illness was diagnosed too late to be treated.

By reminding clinicians to pause and reassess after repeated visits, Jess’s Rule aims to reduce missed or delayed diagnoses and ensure patients feel listened to when symptoms continue.


Jess’s Rule will particularly benefit younger patients and those from ethnic minority backgrounds who often face delays in diagnosis of serious conditions. 


A report from the Nuffield Trust and the Health Foundation on cancer diagnosis in younger people and people of minority ethnicities, found that half of 16 to 24 year olds required three or more interactions with a healthcare professional from a GP practice before being diagnosed with cancer, compared to one in five people across the whole population. 


You can read the full Government press release here: Life-saving Jess’s Rule to be advertised in every GP surgery - GOV.UK


How Healthwatch Reading can help


We are here to make sure your voice is heard


  • If you feel Jess’s Rule hasn’t been followed in your care, you can tell us about your experience.

  • Your feedback helps us work with the NHS locally to improve how services are delivered.


Call: 0118 214 5579

Online: click here to complete a short online form.




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