A new recommendation to GPs aims to encourage a rethink in their approach to a patient’s condition if there is no improvement or if diagnosis is unclear.
As described by the BBC, ‘Jess’s Rule’ has been developed following the death in 2020 of Jessica Brady, following a failure to consider that her deteriorating symptoms were being caused by cancer of the glands. Despite numerous consultations with her GP surgery, Jess’s condition was missed and, by the time that a private consultation revealed the true cause of her symptoms, it was too late.
The NHS describes Jess’s Rule as a recommendation to ‘reflect, review and rethink’, if a patient presents three times with the same or escalating symptoms.
A rethink may, for example, lead to a GP seeking advice from a colleague, arranging a face-to-face consultation if previous appointments have been remote, or referring a patient for specialist assessment.
This process is already implemented by many GPs in their patient care but the rule aims to reinforce good practice and consistency across the country.
Claiming compensation for negligent medical care
Failings in medical care, such as that experienced by Jessica Brady, can prove catastrophic, causing heartbreak to the friends and family of a loved one.
Even where a patient survives a significant failing by medical practitioners, their quality of life can be permanently and severely undermined.
In such circumstances, it may be appropriate to claim compensation for the consequences of the medical negligence.
Speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor to discuss your situation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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