Jess’ Rule: A new safety measure in GP care

What is Jess’ Rule?

From September 2025, all GP practices in England are introducing a new patient safety measure called Jess’ Rule.

Jess’ Rule is simple:
If you see your GP three times with the same ongoing problem, and your symptoms have not improved, been fully explained, or you still don’t have a clear diagnosis, your GP must take a step back and rethink your care.

That might mean:

• ordering further tests,
• referring you to a specialist,
• offering a face-to-face consultation if you’ve only been seen virtually, or
• reviewing your case with a colleague.

It’s designed in collaboration with the Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners and NHS England to help to catch serious conditions earlier. Make sure no one is left going back and forth to their GP without answers, while their symptoms continue or worsen.

Why does Jess’ Rule exist?

Jess’ Rule is named after Jessica (Jess) Brady, who tragically died from advanced cancer in 2020, aged just 27. Jess saw her GP more than 20 times with ongoing symptoms but was not diagnosed in time. Much of her care was remote, and opportunities for further investigation were missed.

Her family campaigned tirelessly for change, gathering nearly half a million signatures in support. Jess’ Rule is her legacy: a clear safeguard to help prevent others facing the same delays and uncertainty.

What this means for you

For patients in Cornwall, Jess’ Rule is an important reassurance:

• You should not be left without answers. If you’ve had multiple appointments for the same issue, your GP must consider next steps.
• Face-to-face matters. If all your care has been by phone or online, your GP should offer an in-person consultation to properly examine you.
• Everyone is included. The rule helps reduce health inequalities by making sure younger people, and those from different backgrounds, are taken seriously when they report ongoing symptoms.