About this deal
We are committed to ensuring that we deliver high quality, safe, effective, patient-focused care through the services we provide. We want to hear about your experience of using local health services. The NHS complaints procedure gives people a choice of whether to complain to the provider of the services, or the commissioner of the service. If you complain to us about a service that we have commissioned, we will manage the complaint but will need to ask the provider to investigate. There are local advocacy providers who can guide and support you through the NHS complaints process. Any information will be treated in confidence. We may need to collect personal information from you to help provide the best possible service, but we will not share your details with anyone without your consent. Complaints
PALS can help with questions about the ICB itself or about any of the health services commissioned in local hospitals or your community.From 1 July 2023, complaints for primary care services (GP) should be shared with the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB Complaints team, using the details provided in the next section: How do I make a complaint?
We aim to resolve concerns within ten working days, but some things may take longer for us to deal with.Should we encounter a delay we will keep you informed of the progress. Please note: PALS can be used by patients, relatives, carers and visitors. Patients can ask a friend or relative to speak on their behalf, but we must have permission of the patient before we can discuss any personal circumstances with anyone else. How do wework? If you have not received a good service, we need to know about it. If you are unhappy with your NHS care or treatment, or how you were dealt with, you have the right to make a complaint.
If you, or someone on your behalf, has questions or is unhappy with the care you receive, we ask that in the first instance, you talk directly to the staff involved in your treatment and care. Often problems can be resolved straight away.
They are free and independent of the NHS. They can help you put your complaint in writing and attend meetings with you, but they do not investigate complaints.
I want Great Care
The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (or PALS) is a free, informal, confidential help and advice service for patients, carers and their families. It is there to help when you need advice or have concerns about health-related matters, or simply don’t know where to turn.