Explains what you can do if you experience a problem with the health or social care you receive or think you should have received.
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To find advocacy services and groups in your area, you could call Mind's Legal Line or contact your local Mind.
If you're in hospital, you can also contact:
In some circumstances, you may be legally entitled to get the support of an advocate. See our page on your legal rights to advocacy for more information.
0845 123 2352
avma.org.uk
Advice and support for people affected by avoidable harm in healthcare.
cqc.org.uk
Regulates and inspects health and social care services in England.
careinspectorate.wales
Independent regulator for social care in Wales, where you can make complaints about care providers and workers.
gmc-uk.org
Helps to protect patients and support doctors, and maintains a register of licensed doctors.
wales.nhs.uk
Information about health problems and treatments, including details of local NHS services in Wales.
hcpc-uk.co.uk
Regulates some types of health, psychology and social work professionals.
healthwatch.co.uk
Helps represent people who use health and social care services in England.
hiw.org.uk
Independent regulator for healthcare in Wales, where you can make complaints and provide feedback.
lawsociety.org.uk
Professional association for solicitors in England and Wales. Includes a searchable directory of solicitors.
lgo.org.uk
The final stage for complaints about councils and some other organisations providing local public services.
0300 330 5454
nhscomplaintsadvocacy.org
Free, confidential advocacy service available to anyone who wants support to make a complaint to the NHS.
0345 015 4033
ombudsman.org.uk
Makes final decisions on complaints that have not been resolved by the NHS in England and UK government departments.
nhs.uk/common-health-questions/nhs-services-and-treatments/what-is-pals-patient-advice-and-liaison-service
Offer confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters. You can find them by searching on NHS UK or asking a doctor or healthcare professional for their details.
0800 345 7115
patients-association.org.uk
Charity that promotes the voice of patients in health services.
ombudsman-wales.org.uk
Looks into complaints about public services and independent care providers in Wales.
This information was published in May 2017.
This page is currently under review. All content was accurate when published.
References are available on request. If you would like to reproduce any of this information, see our page on permissions and licensing.