Advice provided for NHS patients

NHS patients are now able to gain access to an independent advice service, it has been announced.

The new body was established to give patients a legal avenue for complaints and other feedback. Advisers offer the service through local Citizens’ Advice Bureaux and other information centres.

Patients are also being given the opportunity by the Scottish Government to give their views on the draft Patient Rights Charter, which brings together a summary of rights and responsibilities patients have when using the NHS.

The changes are part of the Patients Rights Act, which from the autumn also introduces a 12week treatment guarantee for eligible patients who are receiving planned inpatient or day-case treatment.

The Act was passed at Holyrood on February 24 last year.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: “The Patients Rights Act marks an important step forward in giving patients more say in their health service. These measures will help reassure people that if they have concerns about care or services, they will receive the help and support they need and that they have the legal right to complain.

“We know that while our health service does a fantastic job, it is not perfect, and that is why we need our patients to give us their feedback so health boards can continually improve the care they provide.

“In particular, the Patient and Advice Support Service will provide information and help patients and members of the public to know and understand their rights and responsibilities.”