Skip over main navigation
  • Sign up
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
The Patients Association
Free Helpline: 0800 345 7115

Weekdays 09:30 - 17:00


Donate
Menu
  • About us
    • Our vision
    • The difference we make
    • Background
    • Meet the team
    • Our supporters
    • Vacancies
    • Contact Us
  • Get help
    • Contact the helpline
    • Advice and information leaflets
    • Report your care
    • Coronavirus resources
    • Patient Participation Groups
  • Get involved
    • Events
    • Donate
      • Make a donation
      • Leave a legacy
      • Payroll giving
      • Give in memory
      • Other ways to give
    • Volunteer
    • Membership
    • Have your say
    • Fundraise for us
    • Work with us
  • What we have to say
    • Latest news
    • Opinion and analysis
    • Policy Directory
    • Reports
  • Admin
    • Log in
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • Our history
  1. About us
  2. Background

Our history

The Patients Association is one of the oldest and most distinctive health and care charities in the UK. Our remit is not condition or organ-specific, but covers all issues that affect patients – and in the modern world, this of necessity includes social care and public health.

We work with patients directly: they are our members and supporters, and also the people who benefit from our help and advice services. We also speak to government, the NHS and others about patients' priorities and concerns, to ensure the patient voice is heard and acted upon.

First established in 1963 by Helen Hodgson, a part-time teacher who was motivated by recent events concerning the drug thalidomide, and reports of patients receiving the wrong treatment and tests being carried out on patients without their informed consent. The Patients Association has a long history of investigating health and care concerns raised by patients, monitoring trends in patient satisfaction and promoting good practice amongst healthcare professionals.

Our work has helped to shape health policy, has provided information, advice and support for patients and their families, and has directly contributed to improvements in patients’ experience most notably in improving complaints management in the NHS.

The tireless efforts of our staff and supporters make mean we can continue to strive for a better world for all. 

Why not join us?

  • Become a member and play a vital role in making sure everyone can assess high quality health and social care
  • Be a part of our history by volunteering
  • Help us to do even more for patients and their families by fundraising for us.

Published: 17th March, 2016

Updated: 21st February, 2018

Author:

Related topics:
  • About us
Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Latest

  • Vaccination against COVID-19

    Vaccination against COVID-19

    Key information about the vaccination programmes against COVID-19, with links to official information for each devolved nation.

  • Your human rights in health and social care

    Your human rights in health and social care

    Find out about your human rights, and how they apply in health and social care.

  • COVID-19

    Our formal policy documents on the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Hospital Food Review 2020

    Hospital Food Review 2020

    This report summarises the results of our 2020 hospital food survey, summarising key trends and offering recommendations on how to improve patients experience of food during their hospital stays.

Related

  • Our new strategy, and our work for patients

    Our new strategy, and our work for patients

    Rachel Power, Chief Executive, outlines the new Patients Association strategy for the next three years.

  • Our supporters

    Our supporters

    We are grateful for the support of the individuals, organisations and charitable trusts which enables us in our work.

  • The difference we make

    The difference we make

    We passionately believe that everyone has the right to receive the very best care when they need it most.

  • How we see the world

    How we see the world

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

  • Accessibility

    Read our policy on accessibility for our site

  • Cookie Policy

    Read our policy on cookie used whilst visiting our site.

Most read

  • Helpline - 0800 345 7115

    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).

  • Report your care

    Report your care

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

  • Meet the team

    Meet the team

    Get to know our Chief Executive and meet the dedicated team who work here.

  • How we see the world

    How we see the world

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

  • Membership

    Membership

    Join us for free today and play a vital role in ensuring everyone can access high quality health and social care services.

  • The difference we make

    The difference we make

    We passionately believe that everyone has the right to receive the very best care when they need it most.

  • Sepsis fact sheet

    Sepsis fact sheet

    These are the common symptoms to look out for if you think you might have sepsis.

  • Have your say

    Have your say

    Opportunities to participate in surveys and focus groups as well as the chance to work with other organisations on patient safety projects and initiatives

  • Job vacancies

    Job vacancies

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

  • Improving complaints

    Improving complaints

    Our project work can help you to improve your complaints management.

Tag cloud

coronavirus resources
Join us as a member
it's free!
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Login
  • Logout
  • Manager
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

© The Patients Association 2020. 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:P Block, Northwick Park Hospital, The North West Hospitals NHS Trust, Watford Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 3UJ