AvMA is an independent patients’ charity that specialises in advising and supporting people who have experienced avoidable harm. AvMA cover issues like complaints and patient safety investigations; health professional fitness to practice procedures; legal action over clinical negligence including putting you in touch with specialist solicitors if you want one; and inquests. You can access really useful information on their website or contact their Helpline for free specialist advice from trained medico-legal advisers. You can also submit a new client form for written advice. They also have a Patients for Patient Safety network for people who want to keep up to date with or get involved in patient safety work.
Website: www.avma.org.uk
Helpline: (Mon – Fri 10am to 3.30pm) 0845 123 23 52
The Patients Association is a charity dedicated to supporting the rights and interests of all patients and their families, offering advice and support to patients and campaigning to improve health and social care for all.
Website: www.patients-association.org.uk
Helpline: (Mon – Fri 9.30am to 5pm) 0800 345 7115
Making Families Count aims to improve outcomes for families affected by serious harm and traumatic bereavements in health and social care services.
Through peer support, they work to empower families and individuals to better deal with the complexity and stress of their situation.
They provide information, advice and guidance to families.
Their vision is that lessons are learnt and services transformed by Making Families Count, by placing the family front and centre during health and social care investigations.
They help health and care providers learn and improve by improving engagement with families.
Making Families Count provide independent training in the importance of excellent family engagement for NHS Trusts, public health, social and care organisations, including working with families after serious incidents through training days and training programme
Website: www.makingfamiliescount.org.uk/