Ethical and societal issues

2020 - Consultation response - ABPI code of practice
We welcome the principles and approach to working with voluntary sector organisations of the ABPI's code.

2019 - Policy statement - Assisted dying
Our position on assisted dying and assisted suicide.

2018 - Policy statement - Patient data
Our position on when and how patient data should be used.

2018 - Consultation response - Opt-out organ donation
The Government has decided to introduce a system of opt-out organ donation (or 'presumed consent') in England. This response gives our recommendations on safeguards and practicalities for the new system.

Latest

The Patients Association annual general meeting 2022

Join us to hear about our work in 2021 and plans for the rest of this year, at this year's annual general meeting.
The patient voice: The secret weapon against superbugs

Last year, we held an advisory board with the pharmaceutical company Pfizer to discuss how patients could be more involved in the fight against superbugs. Highlights from the meeting are now available. They include suggestions on how important patient partnership is when treating patients with serious infections and the need to look at the threat of superbugs from the patient’s point of view.
PVM Blog: NHS must provide accessible information

Ray is a member of Patient Voices Matter, our lived experience group. He does not feel the NHS is good at listening to patients or providing accessible information.
PVM Blog: Cancer diagnosis led to patient advocacy

Tara developed breast cancer when her children were very young. Her experiences led her to join service user groups, and from there she has spent decades advocating for other patients, including now with Patient Voices Matter

The long road to recovery

The number of people waiting for hospital treatment is now 6.1 million, including 300,000 who have been waiting a year. We analyse the elective recovery plan and the integration white paper from a patient point of view.
Act now to protect the NHS

The Patients Association calls on Sajid Javid to prevent ‘catastrophic winter’ in a letter to the Health Secretary
Our commitment to being an inclusive organisation

Black History Month ends this week. Chief Executive Rachel Power talks about how we're building connections with Black communities.
Social care changes: how will the new charging system work?

What is the 'cap' and the 'floor' in the new plans for charging for social care? We give an explanation.
Pandemic Patient Experience II: Delays and cancellations

Most respondents to our survey had experienced delayed or cancelled appointments.
Pandemic Patient Experience II: Staying away from care?

We found that it was more common during the pandemic for patients to try to access care but struggle than to stay away voluntarily, although both happened.
Pandemic Patient Experience II: NHS 111

Our survey showed a modest increase in use of NHS 111 during the pandemic, and a mix of patient experiences - more positive than negative, but still with some cause for concern.
Pandemic Patient Experience II: Access to services

Patients told us about the difficulties they encountered accessing care during the pandemic, with GP services a particular problem.
Pandemic Patient Experience II: Vaccinations

Patient feedback about the vaccination programme has been very positive, with most respondents to our survey finding appointments easy to arrange and reassuring to experience.
Pandemic Patient Experience II: Shielding

We found that many people chose to shield themselves without having been told to do so, and not in line with official NHS advice.

Seeing your medical records

This page explains how to get copies of your medical records in England and Wales.
Next of kin

Your medical next of kin is someone you nominate to receive information about your medical care.
Helpline - 0800 345 7115

Need health or social care advice? Call our free and confidential helpline on 0800 345 7115 (Mon-Fri 9.30am and 5pm).
Making a complaint

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 advice on how to make a complaint.
You and your dentist

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.
How we see the world

We believe that everyone should have access to the best healthcare when they need it most.
Meet the Board

Meet our Chief Executive, President and Trustees.
Long term conditions

About 15 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.
Report your care

Our 'Tell us about your care' partnership with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Patients Association Nutrition Checklist

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.