PALS - Patient Advice & Liaison Service

As a patient, relative or carer, you may not always know where to go for help, information, advice or support. It can be worrying and confusing, when you, or someone you know, is unwell. This is where the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can help.

PALS is an independent and confidential service for anyone who would like advice, information and help, or who may have a concern about the care provided by West Sussex Primary Care Trust.

Most concerns you have can be dealt with quickly by discussing them with the health staff treating you. However, there are times when you need to speak to someone who can act independently on your behalf.

PALS will:

• Help sort out any concerns or queries you may have about your care by working with you and your health care professionals.
• Provide information about local health and health services.
• Provide information about voluntary organisations and support groups.
• Tell you about the formal NHS complaints procedure and give you advice on how to make a complaint.
• Make sure your experience with the NHS is as easy and problem-free as possible.
• Provide an opportunity for you to give your views on local services and use your suggestions on how these can be improved.

PALS can not:

• Act on any information given unless we have consent from the patient or legal guardian.
• Deal with formal complaints, but we will give information on services that can help.
• Give clinical advice.
• Act as an advocate, although we can help find services that may be able to assist you.

Please contact PALS by telephoning any of the following numbers:

• Worthing 01903 505456
• Chichester 01243 534035
• Haywards Heath 01293 600399
• Crawley & Horsham 01293 600399

You can also email: pals@westsussexpct.nhs.uk or text phone: 07881 810776

Sometimes, PALS staff will be dealing with other clients and it may be necessary for you to leave a short message on the answer phone. We aim to get back to clients within one working day.