Knowing how to make a complaint

Making a complaint about NHS or social care services can be daunting. You might be wondering whether it’s worth the time and effort. But we’re here to help you every step of the way, so that you and others get the right care.

If you need to make a complaint about a health or social care service, take a look at our guides below.

NHS Complaints

Read our advice on NHS complaints 

Social Care Complaints

Read our advice on social care complaints 

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