Other organisations to contact

HSSIB cannot investigate individual concerns, or concerns that relate to specific healthcare providers or staff. We also cannot resolve complaints, or act on behalf of patients or families.

If we are not the right people to talk to, this list includes other organisations that may be able to help.

We always suggest trying to contact your care provider in the first instance, to see if your concerns can be resolved with the people involved in your care.

NHS England

The NHS England website has lots of information about providing feedback and making a complaint. This includes advice on who to contact when the concern relates to hospitals, GPs, healthcare in prisons and community services. They also have information on advocacy and support services for people making a complaint.

Integrated care boards

Integrated care boards (ICBs) commission most of the hospital and community NHS services in the local areas for which they are responsible. You can raise a complaint with your local ICB. Find contact details for your local ICB on the NHS website.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

PALS teams are present in every hospital. They provide a point of contact for patients, families and carers. They can provide confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters. The NHS website can help you find your local PALS team.

Care Quality Commission (CQC)

CQC are the independent regulator of health and social care in England. You can contact them to provide feedback on care or share concerns about a service.

Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO)

PHSO can make final decisions on complaints that have not been resolved by the NHS in England. They can only do this if you have already complained to the organisation involved in your concern. More information can be found on the PHSO website.