We are backing a petition calling for a “three strikes” approach to be introduced in GP surgeries across Wales, in a bid to improve early diagnosis and strengthen patient safety.
Patients in England are being encouraged to use Jess’s Rule, which is urging GPs to think again if patients have not had a diagnosis for their symptoms after three appointments.
Posters to promote the campaign are being used in GP practices across England, aimed at preventing serious illnesses from being missed and needless deaths from happening, the specific protections set out in Jess's Rule exist in England but not in Wales.
Lowri Griffiths, Director of Support, Policy and Insight, at Tenovus Cancer Care, is backing the petition and knows only too well the issues faced by patients whose voices have gone unheard.
She said: “We know, through our work with Claire’s Campaign, that the incidence rate for gynaecological cancer in Wales is higher than the UK average, as is the mortality rate. We know of many women in Wales who have come forward with experiences of being dismissed, delayed and unheard and we owe it to every patient affected, to ensure their voices are heard.
“Too many women are told their pain is “normal” and experience years of misdiagnosis. Jess’s Rule creates additional safeguards to the existing measures through a 'three strikes' approach: mandatory follow-up and timely investigation for persistent symptoms, including a formal trigger after repeated visits.
“Supported by the Royal College of GPs, it is a straightforward, cost-conscious intervention that could and should be implemented in Wales.”
Lowri Griffiths adds: “We have worked with many cancer patients whose stories are similar to that of Jess Brady - a young woman, who contacted her GP practice more than 20 times feeling unwell, but was not listened to and sadly died of advanced stage four cancer in 2020 aged 27.
“For many there have been tragic outcomes which could have been prevented had an intervention such as this been in place at the time. Others including Claire O’Shea, who after receiving her own incurable gynaecological cancer diagnosis following a poor experience, made it her mission to raise awareness and make sure that other women in Wales wouldn't have to go through the same.”
