A transformative new safety protocol, born from tragedy, is being implemented across GP surgeries in England to prevent serious illnesses from being missed. The initiative, known as 'Jess's Rule', mandates a formalised process for follow-up if a patient's condition deteriorates.
A Legacy Forged from Loss
The rule is named after 13-year-old Jessica Rees, who died from sepsis in 2022 after her symptoms were initially dismissed. Her family's courageous campaign has now resulted in a nationwide change designed to protect future patients.
How Jess's Rule Will Work in Practice
The protocol requires GPs and their teams to take three key actions when a patient's situation is uncertain or they are sent home:
- Explicit Safety-Netting: Patients or their carers will be given crystal-clear, written information on specific 'red flag' symptoms to watch for.
- Facilitated Re-contact: The practice must provide a direct and easy route for the patient to get back in touch quickly, such as a specific phone number or instruction to ask for the original doctor.
- Proactive Follow-up: For higher-risk cases, the GP will be prompted to proactively check on the patient within an agreed timeframe if they have not heard back.
A Systemic Shift for Patient Safety
This move, endorsed by NHS England and the Royal College of GPs, represents a significant cultural shift. It moves beyond relying solely on a doctor's memory and instincts by embedding a standardised safety net into every patient interaction where there is diagnostic uncertainty.
Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, stated, "This is about strengthening the system, not blaming individual GPs. Jess's Rule provides a structured framework that supports clinical judgment and empowers patients, ultimately making care safer for everyone."
The Impact on Patients and Families
For families like Jess's, this rule is a vital step towards ensuring no one else suffers the same devastating outcome. The Rees family said in a statement, "While it cannot bring our Jess back, knowing that her name will be associated with saving lives brings us a measure of comfort. This is the legacy she deserved."
The rollout of Jess's Rule marks a pivotal moment for the NHS, formally acknowledging the immense pressure on GPs and providing them with a tangible tool to enhance safety and build greater trust with the patients they serve.
