Informal patients

Explains your rights if you're having treatment in hospital as an informal patient.

Useful contacts

Mind's Legal Line gives legal information and general advice by phone, email or post.
Local Minds offer face-to-face services across England and Wales. These services include talking therapies, peer support and advocacy.

To find advocacy services and groups in your area, you could call Mind's Legal Line on 0300 466 6463 or contact your local Mind.

If you're in hospital, you can also contact the:

In some situations, you may be legally entitled to the support of an advocate. For more information, see our pages on advocacy.

03000 616 161
cqc.org.uk
[email protected]
Regulates and inspects health and social care services in England.

0808 808 7777
[email protected]
carersuk.org
Advice and support for anyone who provides care.

gov.uk/civil-legal-advice
Can tell you if you're eligible for legal aid, and give you free and confidential legal advice if so.

hiw.org.uk
Independent regulator for healthcare in Wales. You can make complaints and give feedback on experiences of care in Wales.

lawsociety.org.uk
Professional association for solicitors in England and Wales. Includes a searchable directory of solicitors.

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This information was published in October 2022.

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