In a move aimed at improving patient safety, the National Health Service (NHS) in England will be rolling out a new initiative called “Je’s Rule” in GP surgeries across the country from next week. The rule is named after Jessica Brady, who tragically passed away from advanced stage four cancer in 2020 at the age of 27, after repeatedly visiting her GP with concerning symptoms that were initially dismissed.
Before her eventual diagnosis, Jessica had contacted her GP practice more than 20 times, expressing feeling unwell. However, she was told her symptoms were related to long COVID and that she was “too young for cancer.” Tragically, it wasn’t until her family arranged a private appointment that Jessica was referred to a specialist, who then gave her the terminal cancer diagnosis of adenocarcinoma.
The new “Je’s Rule” is designed to encourage GPs to take a “fresh eye” approach if they have been unable to provide a patient with a substantiated diagnosis or if their symptoms have escalated after three appointments. This initiative, developed in partnership with NHS England and the Department of Health, aims to prompt doctors to revisit patient records, challenge initial assumptions, and remain alert to potential warning signs that may have been overlooked.
Andrea Brady, Jessica’s mother, has welcomed the government’s rollout of the new poster campaign, stating, “We still need to trust our doctors, but trust ourselves as well.” She emphasised that the rule is intended to be a “two-way thing,” benefiting both patients and GPs.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting echoed this sentiment, saying, “Every patient deserves to be heard, and every serious illness deserves to be caught early. Je’s Rule makes that possible – reminding clinicians to take a fresh look when symptoms persist, and empowering patients to speak up about their care.”
Dr. Claire Fuller, NHS England’s national medical director, highlighted the potential impact of the new rule, stating, “Encouraging GP teams to challenge a diagnosis when it matters most could save lives by avoiding missed or late diagnoses.”
The posters for the “Je’s Rule” initiative were designed by Jessica’s parents, Andrea and Simon, in partnership with the NHS and the Department of Health, and funded by the Jessica Brady Cedar Trust established in her honour.
