HOW TO ADVOCATE
A guide to help you understand what it means (and how) to advocate for yourself.
Communication For Better Care...
Navigating the healthcare system can sometimes be challenging. As a patient, it's important to advocate for yourself to ensure you receive the best possible care. This guide provides practical steps and resources to help you advocate effectively, including how to get a second opinion, your right to choose where to be treated, and how to use the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).
RIGHT TO CHOOSE
Under the NHS Constitution, you have the right to choose where to receive treatment. This includes the choice of hospital or service provider within the NHS. This right applies if:
- You are referred to a specialist for treatment.
- You are on the waiting list for treatment.
- You are waiting for a follow-up appointment.
When referred, your healthcare provider should provide you with a list of suitable options based on your clinical needs. Remember to ask questions to understand your choices fully.
Second Opinion
If you are unsure about a diagnosis or treatment plan, or are not comfortable with your current specialist, seeking a second opinion can help clarify your options.
- Talk to Your GP: Express your concerns and your desire for another opinion. Often, your GP can refer you to another specialist.
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- Direct Requests: If you're receiving care from a specialist, you can directly ask them for an alternative opinion. Be clear and polite when making the request.
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- Private Consultation: If the NHS route isn’t satisfactory, you may consider seeking a private consultation with a different specialist. While this may involve costs, it can sometimes provide quicker access to a second opinion.
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- Documentation: Keep a record of all your medical documents and correspondence. This will help the second specialist understand your case better.
PALS
PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) within the NHS can provide you with confidential support, assistance, and advice regarding your healthcare experiences. Here’s how they can help:
- Information and Support: PALS can provide information about services, treatments, and your rights as a patient.
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- Raising Concerns: If you have concerns about your care, you can speak to PALS. They will help escalate your concern to the appropriate department.
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- Feedback on Services: PALS welcomes feedback from patients to help improve healthcare services. Your voice matters and can contribute to positive changes.
How to Contact PALS
- Find Your Local PALS Office: You can usually locate PALS contact information on your hospital or healthcare provider’s website.
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- Call or Email: Reach out via phone or email to introduce yourself and describe your concerns or questions. Remember to provide your details so they can respond effectively.
Communication Advice
When advocating for yourself, clear communication is vital. You can maintain a good relationship with your healthcare provider whilst advocating for yourself. Here are some essential tips:
- Prepare for Appointments: Write down your questions and concerns before your appointments. This preparation can help ensure that you don’t forget important points during the discussion.
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- Be Honest and Direct: Share your symptoms, concerns, and feelings openly. Honesty helps providers understand your needs better.
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- Take Notes: During consultations, take notes to remember what was discussed. This will help you make informed decisions later. You can not record a consultation without permission, and often this is not allowed for legal reasons. Taking a friend/relative with you or writing notes is absolutely welcomed to help you remember all the information.
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- Involve Family or Friends: Having a trusted person accompany you can provide emotional support and help communicate your needs.
Complaints
If you feel your concerns are not addressed satisfactorily, you have the right to make a formal complaint. All NHS services have a complaints procedure, which you can follow:
- Contact the Complaints Team: Each NHS Trust has a dedicated complaints team. You can usually find their contact details on the Trust’s website. This can be done via PALS.
- Be Clear and Concise: When making a complaint, be specific about your experience and what outcome you are seeking.
- Follow-Up: If you don’t receive a response in a reasonable time, reach out to follow up on your complaint.
Conclusion
Advocating for yourself in healthcare is crucial to receiving the treatment you deserve. Don't hesitate to speak up about your needs and rights as a patient. Use the tools and resources available to ensure that your voice is heard and that you receive the best possible care.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey—seek assistance when needed, and reach out to PALS, your GP, or trusted family members for support.
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