What is IHCA?
What does an IHCA do?
Who Can Access IHCA support?
Who can make an IHCA referral?
What is IHCA?
Independent Health Complaints Advocacy (IHCA) supports people who want to make a complaint about treatment and care received under NHS services. The service ensures that people can have their voice heard when they are unhappy with NHS care or treatment that they, or someone else, has received. The IHCA service is independent of the NHS, meaning advocates do not work for hospitals or health services. This independence ensures individuals receive impartial support focused entirely on their needs and concerns.
What does an IHCA do?
The NHS complaints process can sometimes feel complex or overwhelming. An IHCA advocate provides free, confidential, and independent support to help individuals express their concerns and navigate the process.
An IHCA advocate can support someone to:
- Understand the NHS complaints process
- Raise concerns about NHS services
- Write complaint letters or statements
- Prepare for meetings related to their complaint
- Understand responses from NHS organisations
- Explore options if they are not satisfied with the outcome
The advocate’s role is to support the individual throughout the complaints process while ensuring their concerns are clearly communicated and considered.
Who Can Access IHCA support?
IHCA support is available to people who wish to complain about NHS-funded services, including:
- Hospitals
- GP services
- Community health services
- Mental health services
- Ambulance services
- Dentists
Who can make an IHCA referral?
IHCA services are usually accessed through direct requests from the individual wishing to complain about their care. Advocacy can also support someone who is making a complaint on behalf of another person, where appropriate.
