Getting professional support
Care regulators
For information about minimum standards and how to report concerns.
In England: Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Telephone: 030 00 616161 (national customer service centre)
In Northern Ireland: Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA)
Telephone: 028 9051 7500
In Scotland: Care Inspectorate
Telephone: 0845 600 9527
In Wales: Care Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW)
Telephone: 0300 790 0126
Ombudsmen for care providers
For complaints about care providers, which you have been unable to resolve with your service provider directly.
In England: Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
Telephone: 0300 061 0614
In Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman
Telephone: 0800 34 34 24
In Scotland: Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO)
Telephone: 0800 377 7330
In Wales: Public Services Ombudsman for Wales
Telephone: 0300 790 0203
Others
A social enterprise that represents affordable representation for families struggling to navigate the continuing healthcare maze.
Telephone: 0345 548 0300
A telephone and website service providing information about care services for older people living in Scotland.
Helpline: 0800 011 3200
The national consumer champion in England for health and care.
Telephone: 03000 68 3000
Website for the 14 regional NHS Boards in Scotland responsible for the protection and improvement of their population’s health.
NHS Complaints Advocacy – England
A free and independent service that helps you make a complaint about an NHS service.
Helpline: 0300 330 5454
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
The government organisation investigating complaints that individuals have been treated unfairly by, or received poor service from, the NHS and other public organisations in England and Wales.
Helpline: 0345 015 4033
Patient and Client Council – Northern Ireland
A government organisation in Northern Ireland; includes information on helping you make a complaint.
Telephone: 0800 917 0222
A charity that campaigns for patients’ rights and offers help with complaints.
Telephone: 020 8423 8999
Further reading
Unsatisfactory care can cover a wide range of issues. We explain the standards you can expect and how to take action.
Making a complaint about a care provider can be upsetting, but they should welcome your feedback and act upon it.
If you’re unhappy about the decision made in an NHS assessment we take you through the steps of how to complain.
