FOR JESS...

GPs ordered to 'rethink' approach to cancer following campaign for woman who died aged 27 after 20 appointments failed to spot illness

- MARTIN BAGOT

GPs are being ordered to follow the new Jess's Rule in memory of Jessica Brady, who died after 20 appointments at her surgery failed to spot her cancer.

Jessica Brady died of stage 4 cancer at the age of 27, three weeks after she was finally diagnosed. By that time, she was told, the disease had spread throughout her body.

Family doctors across England must now take a "three strikes and rethink approach" - they must escalate the situation if following three appointments they have been unable to provide a diagnosis or the patient's symptoms have worsened.

Jess's parents, Andrea and Simon Brady, have spent nearly five years campaigning for the rule.

Andrea, of Hertford, 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."

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