Down at the Doctors November 2025

Posted on January 29th, 2024

A big thank you to everyone who attended the flu clinic at Little Hadham Village Hall on 4 October. It was wonderful to see so many of our patients, and I am grateful to the doctors and nursing team for their hard work on the day.

In just three hours, we vaccinated 948 patients, with some also receiving the “golden ticket” of a pneumococcal vaccination where eligible.

As we prepare for the COVID-19 vaccination clinic this Saturday at the same venue, we are looking forward to welcoming our patients aged 75 and over for their seasonal protection.

A special mention must go to our fantastic car park team — Bob and Kay Kerr, Paul Barnes, and Hugh Labram — who ensured everyone arrived and left safely.

On 23 September 2025, the DHSC and NHS England introduced a new initiative called Jess’s Rule.

Jess’s Rule encourages GP teams to review a diagnosis if a patient presents three times with the same or worsening symptoms, or if their treatment plan is not working.

This rule is named in memory of Jessica Brady, who sadly passed away from cancer in 2020 at the age of 27. Despite having over 20 consultations in the months before her death, her cancer was not diagnosed.

What Jess’s Rule means:

• Re-checking symptoms: If you return three times with the same or worsening concerns, your GP team will review your diagnosis.
• Better safety: It reduces the risk of serious conditions, like cancer or sepsis, being missed.
• Listening carefully: Your concerns matter — you are the expert in your own body.

You can read more here: Jess’s Rule – NHS England.

At our practice, we already make time to discuss complex or ongoing cases in our clinical meetings. Sharing knowledge and experience across our team helps us to provide the safest and best possible care — Jess’s Rule reinforces the importance of this approach across the NHS.

Best wishes

Andrew