PALS stands for Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS).
It is available to assist with any concerns you may have with the healthcare you are receiving and can help resolve problems or provide independent advice.
What is PALS?
The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is a confidential service that offers on-the-spot help to you. As a patient, relative or carer sometimes you may need to turn to someone for help, advice or support. This is where PALS can help. PALS helps you to sort out any problems or concerns you may have about the care we provide, guiding you, your family or friends through the different services available within the NHS.
The main role of the PALS officer is to be a facilitator for the patients, relatives and carers who have a question or concern about their NHS treatment. It is the best first point of contact if you have any queries or concerns and can provide you with advice and help solve any problems. The PALS service aims to:
- Advise and support patients, relatives and carers
- Provide information on NHS services
- Listen to your concerns, suggestions or queries
- Help sort out problems quickly on your behalf by liaising with other staff
- Refer you on to external organisations where appropriate.
PALS is independent
Although the PALS officer works for the hospital, their job is to help you and provide an independent service - resolving your issue as quickly as possible using their knowledge and expertise. They act independently when handling patient and family concerns - liaising with nursing and medical staff, managers and others to resolve problems and provide prompt solutions.
PALS also aim to provide accurate information to patients by accessing appropriate independent agencies such as specialist advocacy agencies, including Independent Complaints Advocacy Services, signposting where appropriate.
However, PALS does not replace the formal NHS Complaints Procedure and any person wishing to pursue a formal complaint can find out more in the concerns and formal complaints section of the website here.