Jess’s Rule – Listening, Caring, Acting

Jess’s Rule – Listening, Caring, Acting

Last month, the NHS introduced something new called Jess’s Rule. It comes from the heartbreaking story of Jessica Brady, a bright, healthy 27-year-old engineer who sadly died of cancer in 2020.

Jessica began feeling unwell in the summer of that year. She lost weight without trying, developed a cough, had night sweats, extreme tiredness, and swollen glands. Over five months, she contacted her GP practice more than 20 times. Some doctors thought she had long Covid, and others reassured her that she was “too young for cancer.” By the time Jessica finally saw a specialist through a private appointment, the cancer was at an advanced stage. She passed away only weeks later, just before Christmas.

Her family describe Jessica as brave, loving, and determined that her experience should not happen to anyone else. They campaigned tirelessly, and out of their efforts has come Jess’s Rule:

👉 If a patient sees their GP three times with the same or worsening symptoms, the GP must pause, think again, and consider further steps.

This might mean:

• arranging a face-to-face consultation (if previous contacts were by phone),

• ordering further tests,

• asking a colleague for a second opinion, or

• referring to a specialist.

The aim is to make sure serious conditions, like cancer, are not missed or dismissed simply because someone is young, looks well, or doesn’t “fit the textbook.”

What Jess’s Rule means for you

As patients, you have an important role to play in your own healthcare. Jess’s Rule is not just a reminder to doctors—it is an encouragement to you too:

• Trust your body. If something feels wrong, pay attention to it.

• Don’t be afraid to come back. If symptoms aren’t improving, or they’re getting worse, please make another appointment. You are never wasting our time.

• Speak up. Tell us clearly what has changed, how long it has been happening, and how it is affecting your daily life.

• Ask questions. It is okay to say, “Could this be something more serious?” or “Should I see a specialist?”

What this means from us as GPs

We want you to know that we care, we listen, and we are here for you. Jess’s Rule is a reminder for us in general practice to always keep an open mind, to look again when things don’t add up, and to work with you to find the answers.

No doctor ever wants to miss something important. But medicine is sometimes complicated, and symptoms don’t always point clearly to one cause. That’s why your persistence and our vigilance together make the best safety net.

A shared responsibility

Jessica’s story is a painful one, but her legacy is powerful. She wanted change, so that others would not suffer the same delays. Jess’s Rule now stands as a shared commitment between patients and doctors:

• For patients, to keep speaking up when something feels wrong.

• For doctors, to keep listening and to act when concerns persist.

Together, we can make sure that care is not only thorough, but also compassionate and attentive.

So please remember: if your symptoms are not getting better, or if something doesn’t feel right—come back and see us. We promise to listen.

A reflection on care

At its heart, healthcare is about seeing, hearing, and valuing each person. Every concern matters, every voice matters, every life matters.

Jess’s Rule reminds us that when we truly listen, act with compassion, and work together, we can prevent harm, restore hope, and make a real difference in people’s lives.