Introducing Jess’s Rule: a new safeguard in GP diagnosis
Jess’s Rule is a new patient safety measure now being adopted in GP practices across England. It requires doctors to “reflect, review and rethink” when a patient returns three or more times with the same unresolved symptoms. The aim is simple: to catch serious conditions earlier and prevent dangerous delays in diagnosis.
The rule was introduced after the tragic case of Jessica Brady, who died aged 27 following more than 20 GP consultations in which her cancer went undiagnosed. Her story highlighted a wider problem in primary care: patients with persistent, unexplained symptoms are too often reassured rather than referred, with serious consequences. Jess’s Rule is designed to change that by embedding an automatic safety net into everyday practice.
What Jess’s Rule means in practice
The new rule acts as a “three strikes and rethink” trigger for GPs. If a patient presents repeatedly with the same concern, clinicians are expected to pause and reassess. That could involve moving from remote to face-to-face consultation, ordering tests, seeking a second opinion or making a referral. Many GPs already do this, but Jess’s Rule makes it a national standard rather than a matter of discretion.
Why it matters
Early diagnosis is critical for conditions such as cancer, sepsis and other life-threatening illnesses. Delays in recognising red-flag symptoms can significantly reduce treatment options and survival rates. Jess’s Rule is intended to reduce those risks and ensure patients are not left waiting while their condition worsens.
The rule also aims to address inequalities. Research shows that younger patients and those from minority ethnic communities are more likely to experience diagnostic delays or to have their concerns dismissed. By setting a clear threshold for action, Jess’s Rule provides an extra layer of protection for those groups most at risk of being overlooked.
Legal implications
For patients, Jess’s Rule means a clearer framework to judge whether their care met the expected standard. For lawyers, it provides a new benchmark when assessing cases of delayed or missed diagnosis. Its formal adoption could strengthen claims where a patient presented multiple times but was not escalated or referred. Key points include:
- Standard of care: The rule may influence what is now considered reasonable GP practice.
- Documentation: Clinicians will need to record their reflections and decision-making clearly.
- Escalation decisions: Choosing not to test or refer must still be justifiable in light of the rule.
For patients, this means a clearer framework to understand whether their care met the expected standard. For lawyers, it offers a new benchmark when assessing cases of delayed or missed diagnosis.
What patients should do
If you or a loved one have been back to your GP several times without answers, it is reasonable to ask whether Jess’s Rule applies. You can request further investigation, a referral or a second opinion. If harm has already been caused by a delay, you may have grounds to seek legal advice.
How Attwaters can help
At Attwaters, our medical negligence team is already advising clients on the implications of Jess’s Rule. We can help you:
- Review your medical records to see whether the rule should have applied
- Assess whether delays in diagnosis contributed to harm
- Provide clear advice on your legal options
If you believe you have suffered as a result of diagnostic delay, contact us at enquiries@attwaters.co.uk or call 0330 221 8855. Jess’s Rule is an important step forward for patient safety. With the right legal support, it can also give patients a stronger voice when things go wrong.
