(1) A minor or patient must have a next friend in order to issue a claim except where the court has made an order under rule 23.2(2).
(2) A person may not —
(a) make any application against a minor or patient before proceedings have started; or
(b) take any step in proceedings except —
(i) applying for the appointment of a next friend under rule 23.8, until the minor or patient has a next friend, or
(ii) issuing and serving a claim against a minor or patient.
(3) If a person other than a minor becomes a patient during proceedings, any party may not take any step in the proceedings apart from applying to the court for the appointment of a next friend until the patient has a next friend.
(4) Any step other than an application under —
(a) rule 23.2(2); or
(b) paragraph (2)(b),
taken before a minor or patient has a next friend is of no effect unless the court otherwise orders.