New training for GPs as woman’s cancer symptoms dismissed 20 times

Jessica Brady, aged 27, died just three weeks after being admitted to hospital with stage four adenocarcinoma following a privately sought consultation.

She had contacted her GPs more than 20 times in the preceding five months with symptoms of abdominal pain, vomiting and coughing. She was not once sent for further investigations or tests to determine the cause of her concerns.

Jessica’s illness was during Covid-19 lockdowns, and she had to fight to get a face-to-face appointment with her GP. Despite her continual and increasing worries about her symptoms, she was only offered virtual appointments and told it was ‘nothing serious’.

Jessica’s family are campaigning and working with the Department of Health for a change in procedures to escalate treatment following three GP visits.

A spokesman for the Department of Health has stated: “It is clear opportunities to diagnose Jessica sooner were missed, and the secretary of state has met her parents on two occasions to discuss how to prevent similar tragedies from happening in future.”

The Royal College of GPs is looking at new guidance that will introduce the notion of “three strikes and rethink,” encouraging the GP to seek a referral or further advice from a specialist.

It is hoped that this training will result in an increase in timely diagnosis and, ultimately, better outcomes for patients.

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