Resources to help you make a complaint

We know that making a complaint about NHS or social care services can be confusing.

Below is a list of different services you can contact if you want to make a complaint. You can also contact us to find out how to get help with making your complaint.

Please note that:

  • We do not ourselves have powers to investigate individual formal complaints about NHS or social care services.
  • We cannot make a complaint to a service on your behalf. If you need support to make a formal complaint about an NHS service advocacy services can help. 
  • We are not able to offer financial or legal advice. That should always be sought from a trained specialist such as a solicitor or financial advisor.

If you have reached the end of the complaints process and are not happy with the organisation's final decision, you can complain to the Parliamentary and Health Ombudsman or the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. 

Knowing how to make a complaint

Making a complaint can be a daunting task, so knowing who you can complain to and what to do is essential. 

We can help you. We've worked with Healthwatch England to produce straightforward advice will guide you through the process from knowing who to talk to, top tips on what to do and what you can expect from services in response. 

Read our complaints advice

Complaints advocacy services

Every area of England has an independent NHS complaints advocacy service funded by the local authority. They can help you make a complaint about an NHS service or work out what you want to achieve from a complaint. 

You will need to contact your local authority to find out who holds your local advocacy service contract.

Contact your local authority

Patient Advice Liaison Service 

Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS) offers confidential advice, support and information on health matters. It provides a point of contact for patients, families and carers.

PALS do not investigate individual complaints but can give you general advice about the NHS complaints procedure.

Contact PALS service