Sept 2008

ICAS - Getting help to make an NHS complaint

ICAS recently visited Woking Mind and other groups at CornerHouse to talk about the service they can provide if you need help to make a complain about the NHS.

ICAS has been commissioned by the Department of Heath to provide a confidential advocacy support service that is free and completely independent of the NHS. The service is open to anyone who wishes to make a complaint about aspects of your NHS care and treatment. This care and treatment includes NHS mental health and learning disability trusts, General Practitioners, Dentists, hospitals, primary care trusts or ambulance services.

ICAS has been established to support patients, or relatives and carers on the behalf of patients. It aims to ensure you have access to the support you need to speak about your concerns and navigate the complaints system. This will increase the chance of your complaint being resolved quickly and effectively. As a result, this can help in making the NHS better for everyone, and the quality of health services you and others receive should improve.

In each case, our involvement is led by you. We can provide all kinds of support, from the provision of a self help pack, to having an advocate who will work with you and help you through the complaints process.

Advocates are available to take your call Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and also 5pm to 7pm on Thursdays - 01256 463758.