The Patients Association is a lobby group operating in the UK that aims to improve patients' experience of health care. It became a registered charity in 1991. Its current campaigns include:
- General practitioner (GP) services
- Organ donation
- Care of older people
- Healthcare associated infections
- Dentistry
- Trust in medicines
- Patients rights
- Mixed sex wards
The Patients Association runs a helpline for patients and relatives on all non-clinical matters relating to the NHS or Private healthcare. In particular it can provide advice on the NHS complaints process, access to medical records, living wills and patients rights. Its number is 08456 08 44 55.
It receives most of its funding from individual and corporate membership, with its corporate members including various pharmaceutical, insurance, and private medical firms. It receives a smaller amount of funding through donations from patients, the public, and grant giving charitable organisations.
Read more about Patients Association: External Links
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