Thinking about making a complaint?

Find out more about what's involved in making a complaint about NHS or adult social care services and what your next steps might be. 

Knowing how to make a complaint

Making a complaint can be a daunting task, so knowing who you can complain to and what to do is essential. 

We can help you. We've worked with Healthwatch England to produce straightforward advice will guide you through the process from knowing who to talk to, top tips on what to do and what you can expect from services in response. 

Read our complaints advice

Note: changes on 1 July 2023  
  

 From 1 July 2023 the way members of the public make a complaint about
primary care services to the commissioner is changing. Rather than contacting
NHS England, complaints will be made to directly to the local integrated care
board (ICB).  

  

 Members of the public will still be able to make a complaint to the provider.
This is NOT changing. 

 

 Members of the public with ongoing complaints received on/after 1 July 2022
will receive a letter from NHS England informing them that the ICB is now handling
their complaint with confirmation of their case handler. 

 

 Members of the public with any ongoing complaints received before 1 July
2022 will receive a letter from NHS England informing them that their complaint is
being retained by NHS England with confirmation of their case handler. 
 

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