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We know how complicated health and social care can sometimes feel. Our wide range of trusted information and guidance can help you find the answers you need.
From understanding your rights, to knowing what questions to ask, to practical tips on navigating services, our resources are here to support you. For further support, contact our helpline.
If the medical treatment you or a family member received caused either injury or harm, and was the result of negligence, you may wish to take legal action. Read more
This page is to help you make the most of your GP appointment. It includes tips on how to prepare, what to ask and how to remember the information given to you. Read more
Solicitor Chris James offers tips and hints on how to go about making a complaint about healthcare you've received. Chris is a solicitor with the law firm Bolt Burdon Kemp. BBK is one of the supporters of the Patients Association. Read more
This page explains how to get copies of your medical records in England. Read more
Private healthcare is run separately to the NHS. It is provided by the independent sector and private patient units within NHS premises. This guide is designed to provide you with information about what to consider and what to do if things go wrong. Read more
Most people are happy with the health and social care they receive. But sometimes things go wrong. If that happens, you need to know how to complain. This guide sets out your rights and offers guidance on how to make a complaint. Read more
Self-management aims to empower people with long-term conditions to take control of their treatment. It is a set of approaches which help you manage your own health. Find out more in our simple guide to self-management. Read more
The internet can be a great place to find out more about your health condition and get support. However, it is crucial to make sure you are looking at information you can trust. This advice will help you to make sure you're accessing accurate and reliable information. Read more
The Patients Association worked with the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN) to offer advice on what patients should expect from independent healthcare. Read more
If you're asked to switch to a new biosimilar medicine, we have worked with patients, clinicians and pharmacists to create resources to help you decide what’s best for you. Read more
The Patients Association Nutrition Checklist is a simple tool to help raise awareness and identify the potential risk of undernutrition by encouraging conversations with those who make be at risk. It also offers guidance on next steps, if someone is at risk. There are versions for patients and professionals. Read more
You have the right to be involved in making choices about your medical treatment, the medicines you take and any operations you have. Read more
About 25 million people in England have a long-term condition. A long-term condition is an illness that cannot be cured. It can usually be controlled with medicines or other treatments. Read more
Most people will take medicines at some point in their lives. They can be used to stop you getting ill, control a condition or cure an illness. Read more
Your medical next of kin is someone you nominate to receive information about your medical care. Read more
As a patient you may wish to ask for a second opinion to confirm diagnoses, explore treatment options, or just for your peace of mind. Here’s how to get one and things to think about before you ask for a second opinion. Read more
This guide is to help patients to prepare by sharing information to consider before, during and after health care appointments. Read more
This factsheet and animation will help you to know your rights, access support, and make the most of your healthcare appointments Read more
This page explains what NHS continuing healthcare is, who it is designed for and how the assessment works. Read more
This page is designed to give you more information about finding a dentist and using their services. It includes tips on how to prepare for an appointment, the charges you can expect and how to make a complaint. Read more
Social prescribing aims to help patients improve their health and well-being by connecting patients to community services run by local organisations. Read more
These resources focus on when a patient is in the hospital, but they may also be used as a helpful reminder whenever you are considering taking antibiotics. Read more
The Equality Advisory Support Service Helpline (EASS) supports individuals who have experienced discrimination or want to understand their human rights. Read more