Independent Health Complaints Advocacy Service

The Health and Social Care Act 2012 requires all Local Authorities with adult social care responsibilities to 'make such arrangements as it considers appropriate for the provision of independent advocacy in relation to its area' in the provision of assistance for individuals making or intending to make an NHS complaint. This covers all NHS Services including: • NHS trusts, including NHS foundation trusts, • Primary health care services provided for by the NHS by GPs, dentists, opticians and community pharmacies, • Clinical Commissioning Groups, • Private health care organisations if the treatment has been paid for by the NHS. • All other health services commissioned by the NHS.