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NHS Health Advocacy in Norfolk

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Everyone knows the NHS is there to provide the best quality medical treatment in recovering from illness and injury or, where recovery might not be possible, on-going care and support. A quarter of the British public are unaware that the NHS actually has a Constitution that sets out its objectives and guiding principles. This constitution empowers patients, staff, carers and families by telling them what they can expect from the NHS, what their responsibilities are to help it run effectively, and in ensuring resources are used properly. It’s a benchmark below which the quality of service should never fall and if, as a patient, you believe your treatment has not been of a proper standard, you are entitled to complain. Download the NHS Constitution clicking here.

Many of us don’t like complaining, of course. We find it difficult, embarrassing and are not always sure who we should take our concerns to. The NHS Complaints Advocacy service is free, confidential, and independent of the NHS and, in Norfolk, is provided by a partnership of Age UK Norfolk, Equal Lives, Community Action Norfolk and POhWER.  It’s free, independent and confidential and you can contact one of our advisors on 0300 456 2370 or by clicking here.

What issues might be of concern?

  • Incorrect or delayed diagnosis or treatment
  • Important symptoms being ignored
  • Unsuitable medication or clinical negligence
  • Lack of communication – errors in medical records, delays or loss in transferring records medical records
  • Failure to provide appropriate pain relief, proper nutrition or hydration
  • Short-notice cancellation of an operation, for non-medical reasons
  • Standard of cleanliness
  • Behaviour of staff
  • Consent issues
  • Disability or age-related discrimination, or being in a mixed-sex ward without a good reason