NHS Complaints Advocacy
Who is the service for?
By law, anyone who wishes to complain about an NHS service is entitled to receive advocacy support to help them make their complaint.
Healthwatch Warrington’s NHS Complaints Advocacy Service is free, confidential and independent, and available to all residents of Warrington. We help people understand what their options are and support them through the NHS complaints process to ensure they get the best possible resolution. We provide information and support to help people understand their rights and make informed choices when making a complaint.
What Support Does An Advocate Provide?
An advocate provides free, confidential and independent support, and will provide you with information to help you make informed choices to help you navigate through the NHS complaints process.
The Advocate’s role is to:
- Explore the options available to you at each stage of the complaints procedure.
- Answer your questions to help you make informed decisions
- Help you to write effective letters to the right people.
- Prepare you for any meetings (including ensuring that any necessary evidence and other material are available) and attend with you if required.
- Contact and speak to third parties, on your request
- Monitor the progress of your complaint, ensuring it progresses in a timely manner
- Discuss response letters received t make sure you are satisfied with the outcome
- Assist you with submissions to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
An Advocate cannot:
- Give you legal or medical advice
- Provide counselling
- Help you complain about a private healthcare provider
- Get an NHS employee disciplined
- Provide a secretarial service
Advocacy Support Documents
Not everyone making a complaint about the NHS will need an advocate. Sometimes, you may just need some information. If you decide you want to make a complaint yourself, you may find our Self-Help Information Pack useful.
If you decide that you would like the support of an advocate, please complete and return our consent form either by email
Healthwatch Warrington Advocacy Service, The Gateway, 89 Sankey St, Warrington WA1 1SR
If you need further information or support,
07732 683447 (Lines are open between 9 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday. An answerphone operates outside of these times).
