Frequently asked questions

Healthwatch Advocacy Service

Although most people using the health service are happy with their care and treatment, things can sometimes go wrong. If you're not satisfied with the service you've experienced from a hospital, doctor, dentist, local surgery or other NHS provider, you are entitled to complain about it.

We can help you make this complaint, by providing a free, confidential and independent service designed to help you understand your rights and make informed choices.

We can help you:

• Explore options available at every stage of the complaints procedure
• Provide confidential support from someone who is independent of the NHS
• Write effective letters to the right people
• Prepare for meetings and maybe even go with you
• Contact and speak to third parties if required
• Trained advocates who can support you
• We offer a range of ‘self-help’ materials if you do not need the support of an advocate but want some advice on the best way to make a complaint.

You can contact the Healthwatch Independent Compliants team on 01744 457 105 or email advocacy@healthwatchsthelens.co.uk

No, your local Healthwatch is commissioned by their local authority and will be accountable to them.

However when something is a problem and other local Healthwatchs are experiencing it too, Healthwatch England will gather evidence to look at the problem on a regional or national basis.

No. Healthwatch St. Helens is an independent organisation that is here to represent the views of the people that use health and social care services in the local area.

We can’t recommend a Dentist or GP, however, NHS choices has a section on their website where you can search for practices in your area:

https://www.nhs.uk/service-searcha.