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  • Accessibility

    Accessibility

    Read our policy on accessibility for our site Read more

  • Become a member of the Patients Association

    Become a member of the Patients Association

    Join us today and play a vital role in ensuring everyone can access high quality health and social care services. We'll keep you informed on key issues in health and social care and offer you lots of opportunities to have your say. Read more

  • Supporting patient engagement and revitalising Patient Participation Groups

    Supporting patient engagement and revitalising Patient Participation Groups

    We have completed an exciting initiative in partnership with the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) to support patient engagement and revitalise patient participation groups post pandemic. Read more

  • Health views of young people

    Health views of young people

    More from our project with patient groups in Hertfordshire and West Essex. We met with the local integrated care board's Youth Council to hear what matters to children and young people when it comes to health services. Read more

  • Accessibility
  • Become a member of the Patients Association
  • Supporting patient engagement and revitalising Patient Participation Groups
  • Health views of young people
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Patient Partnership Week 2026

Patient Partnership Week 2026

Across the week in our free webinars, we're bringing together patients, professionals, policymakers, and researchers to explore what meaningful partnership looks like in practice and why it matters, where progress is being made, and what still needs to change. Read more

Published: 30th April, 2026

Updated: 4th June, 2026

Author: Emma Sheffield

The Six Principles of Patient Partnership

The Six Principles of Patient Partnership

Working with patients, national and local organisations, health and care thought leaders, we've identified the six key principles of patient partnership. Read more

Published: 12th September, 2023

Updated: 21st May, 2026

Author: Maya Anaokar

Become a member of the Patients Association

Become a member of the Patients Association

Join us today and play a vital role in ensuring everyone can access high quality health and social care services. We'll keep you informed on key issues in health and social care and offer you lots of opportunities to have your say. Read more

Published: 26th March, 2026

Updated: 21st May, 2026

Author: Anonymised User

Our purpose

Our purpose

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

Published: 7th November, 2017

Updated: 8th May, 2026

Author:

Call our free helpline - 0800 345 7115

Call our free helpline - 0800 345 7115

Need information on health or social care? Call our free and confidential helpline on 0800 345 7115 (Mon-Fri 9.30am and 5pm). Read more

Published: 5th February, 2019

Updated: 5th May, 2026

Author:

Legal advice

Legal advice

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

Published: 24th February, 2020

Updated: 30th April, 2026

Author: Annabel Donaldson

Our supporters

Our supporters

We are grateful to all our supporters for helping us be there to listen to patients and speak up for change. Find out who supports our work. Read more

Published: 7th November, 2017

Updated: 21st April, 2026

Author:

Job vacancies

Job vacancies

Discover what it's like working for the Patients Association and find out about current opportunities. Read more

Published: 8th October, 2018

Updated: 20th April, 2026

Author:

Corporate and organisational partners

Corporate and organisational partners

Work with us to demonstrate your commitment to listening to the patient voice. Read more

Published: 7th November, 2017

Updated: 8th April, 2026

Author:

How to have a good GP appointment

How to have a good GP appointment

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

Published: 21st May, 2020

Updated: 8th April, 2026

Author: Deleted User

Accessibility

Accessibility

Read our policy on accessibility for our site Read more

Published: 27th March, 2026

Author:

Tips on making a complaint

Tips on making a complaint

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

Published: 18th May, 2023

Updated: 13th March, 2026

Author: Maya Anaokar

How to see your medical records in England

How to see your medical records in England

This page explains how to get copies of your medical records in England. Read more

Published: 1st June, 2020

Updated: 13th March, 2026

Author: Deleted User

A private healthcare overview

A private healthcare overview

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

Published: 26th May, 2020

Updated: 13th March, 2026

Author: Deleted User

Making a complaint about health and/or social care services

Making a complaint about health and/or social care services

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

Published: 26th May, 2020

Updated: 13th March, 2026

Author: Deleted User

Self-management and long-term conditions

Self-management and long-term conditions

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

Published: 19th March, 2020

Updated: 13th March, 2026

Author: Deleted User

How to find trustworthy health information online

How to find trustworthy health information online

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

Published: 19th March, 2020

Updated: 13th March, 2026

Author: Deleted User

What to expect from private healthcare

What to expect from private healthcare

The Patients Association worked with the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN) to offer advice on what patients should expect from independent healthcare. Read more

Published: 5th February, 2020

Updated: 13th March, 2026

Author: Annabel Donaldson

Switching to biosimilar medicines

Switching to biosimilar medicines

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

Published: 10th December, 2019

Updated: 13th March, 2026

Author: Annabel Donaldson

The Patients Association Nutrition Checklist

The 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. Read more

Published: 12th December, 2018

Updated: 13th March, 2026

Author: Anonymised User

Governance

Governance

Meet our Board of Trustees and Chief Executive. Read more

Published: 9th February, 2018

Updated: 11th March, 2026

Author: Anonymised User

Share your experience in our Patient experience survey

Share your experience in our Patient experience survey

We want to hear about your experiences with NHS services over the last six months: what’s working well, what isn’t, and what needs to change. Read more

Published: 13th February, 2026

Author: Emma Sheffield

Shared decision-making

Shared decision-making

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

Published: 2nd June, 2020

Updated: 12th February, 2026

Author: Deleted User

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Latest

  • What does it really mean to wrap services around patients?

    What does it really mean to wrap services around patients?

    This free webinar will explore what it would look like if we put the patient at the centre, not as a policy ambition, but as a lived reality?

  • Why prioritising patient trust increases the value of using technology and data to improve research and care

    Why prioritising patient trust increases the value of using technology and data to improve research and care

    This webinar will explore how organisations can partner with patients in the use of health data, placing trust and transparency at the heart of decision-making.

  • Patient Experience Survey: May 2026

    Patient Experience Survey: May 2026

    This survey found that three quarters of people said delays negatively affected their quality of life.

  • The Patients Association responds to the NHS Modernisation Bill announced in the King's Speech

    The Patients Association responds to the NHS Modernisation Bill announced in the King's Speech

    "The NHS Modernisation Bill contains real opportunities for patients, but also significant risks," says Rachel Power, Chief Executive.

Most read

  • How to see your medical records in England

    How to see your medical records in England

    This page explains how to get copies of your medical records in England.

  • You and your dentist

    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.

  • Next of kin

    Next of kin

    Your medical next of kin is someone you nominate to receive information about your medical care.

  • Making a complaint about health and/or social care services

    Making a complaint about health and/or social care services

    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.

  • Call our free helpline - 0800 345 7115

    Call our free helpline - 0800 345 7115

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

  • Getting a second opinion

    Getting a second opinion

    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.

  • Long-term conditions

    Long-term conditions

    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.

  • Our purpose

    Our purpose

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

  • How to have a good GP appointment

    How to have a good GP appointment

    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.

  • Job vacancies

    Job vacancies

    Discover what it's like working for the Patients Association and find out about current opportunities.

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advice antimicrobial resistance coronavirus resources Covid-19 information nutrition patient experience Patient safety safety shared decision making
Become a member of the Patients Association

Become a member of the Patients Association

Join us today and play a vital role in ensuring everyone can access high quality health and social care services. We'll keep you informed on key issues in health and social care and offer you lots of opportunities to have your say. Read more

Published: 26th March, 2026

Updated: 21st May, 2026

Author: Anonymised User

Accessibility

Accessibility

Read our policy on accessibility for our site Read more

Published: 27th March, 2026

Author:

Become a member - 
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© The Patients Association 2026. All Rights Reserved. The Patients Association is a registered charity in England and Wales (1006733). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (02620761)

Registered Address: 32 Byron Road, Attn. the Patients Association, Aspire Ltd, Harrow, Middlesex, England, HA2 0HY.

           

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