Jessica Brady, 27, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and died just three weeks later after her GP surgery failed to diagnose her condition, despite being in contact with them around 20 times
A new ‘Jess’s Rule’ has been introduced after Jessica Brady tragically died of cancer at the age of 27, after her symptoms were dismissed.
The new law has been introduced after Jessica Brady was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, after 20 appointments at her GP surgery failed to diagnose her condition – she died three weeks later
On December 20, 2020 and at the tender age of 27, Jessica, from Stevenage, tragically passed away. In the six months leading up to her death, Jess reached out to her GP practice approximately 20 times, and it was alleged by her mum, Andrea Brady, that none of the four GPs who saw her took her symptoms seriously.
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“She had been ill for six months, but the spring/summer lockdown meant face-to-face consultations with her GP were restricted and numerous antibiotics were prescribed, even in the absence of a physical examination,” Andrea previously shared. “Jessica was told for months she was suffering from Long Covid despite two negative coronavirus tests.”
Jess, an engineer for Airbus, had been experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, coughing, vomiting and weight loss. She was also told that her age meant her symptoms couldn’t indicate anything severe.
Following a private referral, funded by her mum, on 26 November 2020, Jess, was diagnosed with stage 4 adenocarcinoma. The cancer had spread throughout her body, to her spine, liver, stomach, lungs and lymph nodes.
Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that starts in the mucous glands inside of organs like the lungs, colon, or even breasts. Tumours can form if your glandular cells begin to change or grow out of control.
She remained in hospital and was put on oxygen, but tragically died just three weeks later in December 2020.
Her mum heartbreakingly said: “Jess lived for just three short weeks following her terminal cancer diagnosis. Despite her shock and devastation, she showed unfailing courage, positivity, dignity, and love. Jess was determined that people should understand how desperately she had tried to advocate for herself and seek a resolution for her declining health.”
Now, a new NHS initiative, called ‘Jess’s Rule’, has been implemented. GPs across England are being urged to “think again” if they haven’t managed to provide a diagnosis or the patient’s symptoms have worsened after three appointments.
Doctors have been told to adopt a “three strikes and rethink approach” after three consultations. They will also be required to seek additional opinions, conduct in-person physical examinations, arrange further testing and provide specialist referrals when necessary.
On the new rule, Jess’s mum shared: “In the bleak weeks following the loss of Jess, I realised it was my duty to continue what she had started. It has taken nearly five years to bring about Jess’s Rule. I would like to dedicate this initiative to all the young people who have been diagnosed too late. It has only been made possible because of the people who have listened – politicians, medics and the nearly half a million who supported the campaign.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Jessica Brady’s death was a preventable and unnecessary tragedy. I want to thank her courageous family, who have campaigned tirelessly through unimaginable grief to ensure Jessica’s legacy helps to save the lives of others.
“Patient safety must be the bedrock of the NHS, and Jess’ Rule will make sure every patient receives the thorough, compassionate, and safe care that they deserve, while supporting our hard-working GPs to catch potentially deadly illnesses.
“I don’t want any family to endure the pain Jessica’s family have been through. This government will learn from such tragedies and is taking decisive action to improve patient safety.”