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NHS complaints advocates

NHS complaints advocates

You don't have to use an advocate to complain about NHS care or treatment. But if you're not happy, an advocate could help you to make a complaint.

This page covers:

This page is part of our guide to:

Advocacy

How could an advocate help me complain about NHS care?

An NHS complaints advocate can:

Give you information about how to make a complaint
Help you write letters
Help you think about what you want to say at a meeting to discuss your complaint
Go to meetings with you, if you'd like them to
Help you take your complaint further if you're not happy with the response you get from the NHS

What can't an NHS complaints advocate help me with?

An NHS complaints advocate can't make a complaint for you. They'll help and support you or a family member to make a complaint.

They aren't medically or legally trained so they can't give you medical or legal advice.

How can I get support from an NHS complaints advocate?

You can contact your local authority to find out which organisation provides this service in your area. Or contact an organisation from on our page how to find an advocate. NHS complaints advocates are free of charge.

Our pages on complaining about health and social care and facing and overcoming barriers to seeking help also have information that may help.

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