‘Jess’s rule’ posters remind GPs in England to re-examine patients’ symptoms

Doctors told to consider a second opinion or order more tests if a patient has three appointments but no diagnosis

Millions of patients in England will this week be urged to ask their GP to think again if they have not had a diagnosis for their symptoms after three appointments.

From Monday, GP practices across the country will use posters to promote Jess’s rule, a new system aimed at preventing serious illnesses from being missed and needless deaths. It is named after Jessica Brady, a 27-year-old who contacted her surgery 20 times before dying of cancer in 2020.