PALS

Patient Advice & Liaison Service

When you need advice, have concerns, or don't know where to turn
The Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS) aims to:

• Advise and support patients, their families and carers
• Provide information on NHS services
• Listen to your concerns, suggestions and queries
• Help sort out problems quickly on your behalf
  

Why contact PALS?

We know people sometimes don't raise their concerns because they don't want to make a formal complaint, or feel that they don't want to add burden to already busy staff. However, we want to know when our services are not working well, so that we can continue to improve them.

How can you contact PALS?

All our staff are keen to help with your issues and concerns, in any way they can. If you are not happy with the service you are receiving or have a concern that you want answering please contact a member of NHS staff in the first instance.

If you do not feel comfortable talking directly to one of the staff providing your care, or would just prefer to talk to someone who is not directly involved in the care you receive, please contact PALS.

The PALS service provided by NHS Herefordshire covers all community and primary care services, including the community hospitals. The County Hospital also has a PALS service - see contact details opposite.

PALS Useful Links

The links below will take you to a range of local and national sites:

National Sites

• NHS Direct  - a national service offering a range of information about health and health services
• Department of Health - national guidance, press release, current initiatives, etc.
• NHS Choices - Most of the frequently asked questions on one easy to use site. Can point you to, doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other services

Regional and Local Sites

• EQUIP - A well managed and maintained site giving information about health services, self help groups and voluntary sector organizations across the West Midlands. Help yourself to find out:
  • about risks, symptoms and treatment options
  • where to seek support and advice (in UK )
  • information for the West Midlands
    
    1600 support groups and organisations are checked every 12 months
    
    This website has been created with the involvement of medical staff and patient groups throughout. 
    
• Herefordshire Council - Herefordshire Council website. A wide range of information about local services