Equality and Human Rights Commission

If you feel that you or someone you know has been treated unfairly or discriminated against by a provider of health or social care, the first thing to consider is raising the issue with the healthcare provider. You may prefer to put the matter in writing so that there is a record of your complaint.

You can give feedback via patient surveys, or a patient forum (in England these will be replaced in 2008 with a new structure of Local Involvement Networks).

Under the Disability Discrimination Act 2005, NHS organisations are required to consult disabled people about healthcare services and how they are designed and provided. Under public authority duties related to promoting race and gender equality, NHS organisations must also consult with people from ethnic minorities, and with women and men, to assess the impact, or likely impact, of new and revised policies and practices.