A key role of Healthwatch is to signpost people of Westmorland & Furness to the relevant health and social care services when they need it. This includes who to speak to when complimenting or complaining about a service.
Below is an easy guide to direct you to the correct service.
You can contact a hospital service if you have a compliment or complaint about a service you or a loved one has received. With regard to a complaint, these should firstly be discussed with the staff on the hospital ward or department, to give them the opportunity to address the problem.
If after speaking with staff you still want to make an official complaint, it is advised to follow the guidance which the hospital trust itself provides. We also promote the sharing of positive feedback regarding hospital trusts in Westmorland and Furness too.
We encourage individuals to share both positive and negative feedback with services they receive. Before making an official complaint, you should discuss your concerns with staff at the respective healthcare service to address the problem.
For healthcare services in Westmorland and Furness, the NHS North East and Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) and NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board are the commissioners. This means that because they pay for primary care services, they are entitled to deal with complaints and comments if unable to be addressed by the practice itself.
Advocacy support can help you make a health and social care complaint in Westmorland and Furness. An advocate can support and help you express your views and express your rights.
They are free, confidential and independent of health and social care services.
If your life is at risk right now by feeling like you might attempt suicide, or have seriously harmed yourself, you may need urgent medical help.
