Frequent failures in co-ordinating care for patients with long-term health issues
A lack of co-ordination of care for people with long-term health conditions is taking a toll on pat…
Read moreIf you need help or support after a patient safety incident or concerning experience in healthcare, this list includes organisations that may be able to help.
There are a number of charities and support organisations relating to different concerns, conditions and population groups. We cannot provide a list of these organisations due to the diverse and wide-ranging concerns we hear about. Please consider an internet search to identify the appropriate support organisations for you.
Advocacy and advice
Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA)
AvMA is the UK charity for patient safety and justice. They provide help and support for those affected by medical accidents. This includes a helpline as well as self-help guides.
Healthwatch
Healthwatch is an independent body that listens to feedback relating to GPs, hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, care homes and other services. They share this feedback with NHS leaders with the aim of improving care standards. Find your local Healthwatch on their website.
The Patients Association
The Patients Association is an independent patient charity campaigning for improvements in health and social care for patients. Through their helpline they provide information about the health and social care system.
VoiceAbility
VoiceAbility offers a free and independent advocacy and user involvement service to support people who face disadvantage or discrimination. They support people to speak up and have their rights and choices respected.
Bereavement
Cruse Bereavement Support
Cruse Bereavement Support offer support, advice and information to children, young people and adults after someone dies. They also work to enhance society’s care of bereaved people.
INQUEST
INQUEST is a small charity that provides free advice to people bereaved by a death in custody and detention and is entirely independent of government. They provide specialist advice on deaths in custody or detention, or involving state failures in England and Wales. This includes a death that has occurred in psychiatric care.
Support for NHS and healthcare staff
National Guardian’s Office
If you are a member of staff in the NHS in England and are concerned about a safety incident where you work, the National Guardian's Office provides advice on the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian role and supports the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian network. The office also exercises its discretion to review cases referred to it where there is evidence that an NHS service has not responded appropriately to the safety concerns raised by its workers.
Protect
Protect (formerly Public Concern at Work) is a national charity which aims to encourage speaking up in the workplace.
Speak Up helpline
The Speak Up helpline is a free, independent and confidential helpline for people working in NHS and social care organisations in England, operated by Social Enterprise Direct Limited on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.