Doctor speaking to a patient in an outpatient clinic

Deciding to make a complaint?

Making a complaint can feel daunting and scary, and you might be wondering whether it’s worth the time and effort. However, if you have problems with an NHS or social care service, you need to resolve these to get the care you need.

How to make a complaint

Making a complaint can be a daunting task, so knowing who you can complain to and what to do is essential. 

Below, we have provided links to various organisations that can support you in making a formal complaint.

Complaints advocacy services

Every area of England has an independent NHS complaints advocacy service funded by the local authority. They can help you make a complaint about an NHS service or work out what you want to achieve from a complaint. 

In Oldham, the NHS Complaints Advocacy Service is provided by Cloverleaf Advocacy. You can access their website on the button below:

Cloverleaf Advocacy

Patient Advice Liaison Service 

Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS) offers confidential advice, support and information on health matters. It provides a point of contact for patients, families and carers.

PALS do not investigate individual complaints but can give you general advice about the NHS complaints procedure.

Contact PALS service

Contact your local integrated care board (ICB)

Integrated care boards (ICBs) replaced clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in the NHS from 1 July 2022.

If you want to contact your local ICB with feedback or a complaint about primary care services such as GPs, dentists, opticians or pharmacy services, you can find their contact details below.

Contact ICB