Family's tragic loss leads to Manx GP rule change

A new rule aimed at preventing missed diagnoses on the Isle of Man was prompted by a bereaved family who lost a young relative, a politician and GP has said.

Ramsey MHK Alex Allinson called for Jess's Rule to be implemented on the island in the House of Keys this week.

It is so-named after 27-year-old Jessica Brady, whose cancer was not diagnosed despite multiple appointments before her death in 2020.

Allinson raised it locally after he was approached by the parent of a young man whose cancer was only identified at a late stage, after he had repeatedly sought medical help.

Allinson said: "This is something that's happening on our island. It is rare, and my heart really goes out to the family."

Manx Care is now asking all GP practices to adopt Jess's Rule, which advises healthcare professionals to review a diagnosis if a patient presents three times with the same concerns, particularly if symptoms persist, worsen or remain unexplained.

Originally an NHS England initiative, it is named after Jessica Brady, who died from advanced stage four cancer.

Before her eventual diagnosis, Jess had contacted her GP on more than 20 occasions after feeling unwell, but was told her symptoms were related to long Covid and that she was "too young for cancer"

Allinson said the family's plight resonated with him both as a doctor and an MHK, and highlighted gaps in how repeated symptoms can be assessed across the health system.

He said the rule meant clinicians would revisit a patient's history, reassess symptoms, review tests and consider whether further investigation was needed, particularly when someone returns multiple times without improving.

He said cases like this, while rare, were "a parent's worst nightmare" and showed the "true impact of missed diagnoses".

It also weighed heavily on clinicians who fear missing serious illnesses, he added.

He said pressures on the health service and a lack of continuity, where patients may see different professionals at each visit, make it more important to pause and reassess.

Allinson said the rule was also about empowering patients and families to speak up if they felt their condition was not improving.

Echoing this sentiment, Health Minister Claire Christian said the move aimed to ensure "patients know they can be heard when they need additional support".

Information about the initiative is to be displayed in GP surgeries and public spaces, and shared online, as part of a wider awareness campaign.

Christian said she was "proud to be announcing the upcoming public information drive to ensure patients know they can be heard when they need additional support and input".

Manx Care said the approach would support safer, more consistent care, and encouraged anyone concerned about treatment to speak to healthcare staff or its advice service.

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