Other organisations working for patients
Below you will find links to organisations that work for patients in the following areas:
Have your say on how healthcare in your area is delivered
If you want to influence the delivery of healthcare in your area, there are arrangements to help you do so. The organisation you need to contact depends on which of the four UK countries you live in.
England
Since April 2008 Local Involvement Networks or LINks have been established in each local authority across England. LINks give citizens a say on the delivery of both health and social care services in their area. More information can be found on the Department of Health website.
Wales
The Community Health Councils help ensure that your views and needs influence the policies and plans put in place by health providers in your area.
Scotland
The Scottish Health Council is responsible for ensuring NHS Boards take account of your views when they make decisions about health services in Scotland. The Council has established offices in each NHS Board area.
Northern Ireland
The Health and Social Services Councils help ensure those who plan and manage healthcare hear your views.
Patient groups
There are many groups who promote the interests of patients and offer support. A selection of these groups and links to their websites are listed below. You may wish to contact them for advice or information.
- Action against Medical Accidents
- Asthma UK
- European Patients Forum
- Macmillan Cancer Relief
- Patient Concern
- Patients Association
- Patients Forum
- Royal Mencap Society
- Witness
These links and links to other organisations can be found in our links section.
Health and social care regulators
There are eleven other health and social care regulators. They set the standards for and monitor health and social care professionals other than doctors, for example, dentists, osteopaths, and social workers.
For more information, view our UK health and social care regulators: who are they and what do they do? page.
Alternatively, you can download the Which regulator? which is available to download in a number of languages.
NHS organisations promoting patient safety
The NHS organisations below promote patient safety. Click on the appropriate links to visit their websites and find out more:
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