For NHS Patients

Complaints process, PHSO referral, clinical negligence, mental health rights, and data access.

Reviewed 2026-05-22

Common Problems

Make an NHS complaint

PHSO referral after CoP letter

Clinical negligence — possible claim

DSAR for medical records

Mental Health Act detention review

Your Rights

Your Rights as a Patient

Your legal rights when receiving healthcare, including consent, complaints, and access to treatment.

Key Legal Topics

Medical & Healthcare Law

Consent to treatment, clinical negligence, mental health, NHS duties, and patient rights.

Mental Health Law

Legal framework for the assessment, detention, and treatment of persons with mental disorders under the Mental Health Act 1983.

Letter Templates

Formal NHS Complaint

Stage 1 NHS complaint letter to a provider in England, before escalation to PHSO.

Subject Access Request (DSAR)

UK GDPR Article 15 request for a copy of your personal data held by an organisation.

Legal Tools & Calculators

PHSO complaint deadline

12 months for NHS / government department complaints.

When to Get Legal Advice

Clinical negligence: 3-year limitation from injury or knowledge. Instruct a clinical negligence solicitor on a Conditional Fee Agreement. For Mental Health Act detention, non-means-tested legal aid for accredited solicitors.