Who can help with a complaint?

There are organisations that can help you when making a complaint or clinical negligence claim.

Help in England

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) offers confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters. They provide a point of contact for patients, their families and their carers. You can find officers from PALS in your local hospital.

This service only covers England. They have information about how to make a complaint and can support you during the process. You can find your nearest office on their website.

Helpline: 0300 303 1660
Email: helpline@voiceability.org

An independent network that provides free advice about money, legal issues, housing health and social welfare issues. Often provides advice in English and other languages.

This organisation provides information, advice and support about local health and social care services, including information about making a complaint.

Phone: 03000 683 000 between 08:30-17:30 Monday to Friday
Email: enquiries@healthwatch.co.uk 

This national charity helps patients to raise concerns and share experiences of healthcare.

Helpline: 0800 345 7115 (freephone number) or 020 8423 8999 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5pm

Email: helpline@patients-association.org.uk

Help in Wales

This organisation gives free confidential help if you have a problem or complaint with NHS services.

Phone: 02920 235 558 

Email: enquiries@llaiscymru.org

An independent network that provides free advice about money, legal issues, housing health and social welfare issues. Often provides advice in English and other languages.

This national charity helps patients to raise concerns and share experiences of healthcare.

Helpline: 0800 345 7115 (freephone number) or 020 8423 8999 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5pm

Email: helpline@patients-association.org.uk

Help in Scotland

This service offers information and support for anyone wanting to give feedback or make a complaint about care provided by NHS in Scotland.

Telephone: 0800 917 2127

An independent network that provides free advice about money, legal issues, housing health and social welfare issues. Often provides advice in English and other languages.

This national charity helps patients to raise concerns and share experiences of healthcare.

Helpline: 0800 345 7115 (freephone number) or 020 8423 8999 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5pm

Email: helpline@patients-association.org.uk

This organisation aims to make sure that independent advocacy is available to any vulnerable person in Scotland. Independent advocacy is a way to help people have a stronger voice and to have as much control as possible over their own lives. 

Phone: 0131 510 9410
Email: enquiry@siaa.org.uk

Help in Northern Ireland

This Northern Ireland organisation gives advice and support if you want to make a complaint about NHS services.

Phone: 0800 917 0222
Email: info@pcc-ni.net

This national charity helps patients to raise concerns and share experiences of healthcare.

Helpline: 0800 345 7115 (freephone number) or 020 8423 8999 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5pm

Email: helpline@patients-association.org.uk

An independent network that provides free advice about money, legal issues, housing health and social welfare issues. Often provides advice in English and other languages.

Action Against Medical Accidents

Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) is a UK charity that provides free independent advice and support to people affected by medical accidents.

Helpline: 0845 123 23 52 (10:00am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday)

Last reviewed: 
10 Aug 2023
Next review due: 
10 Aug 2026

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