English GPs adopt ‘Jess’s rule’ to help ensure they do not miss serious illnesses

"Jess's Rule" is a new safety initiative adopted by GPs across England to help prevent missed diagnoses of serious illnesses. The approach is named after Jessica Brady, who tragically died at the age of 27 from stage four cancer, after experiencing symptoms for six months that were initially misdiagnosed. Under the "three strikes and rethink" policy, GPs will be required to reconsider their diagnosis if a patient presents with the same or similar symptoms three times without a clear diagnosis. This is aimed at ensuring that no serious conditions are overlooked, especially in cases where the initial symptoms may be vague or difficult to diagnose. The initiative is being implemented to improve patient safety and enhance the quality of care provided by general practitioners in England. It is a direct response to the tragic case of Jessica Brady, with the goal of preventing similar outcomes in the future.