Finding help or raising a concern | Patient Sexual Safety

1. I am unsure whether what happened was appropriate

You can ask why an examination or touch was needed, what you agreed to (consent), why a chaperone was or was not present, or whether a professional acted appropriately. A chaperone is someone who can be present during an examination. Feeling uncomfortable is a good reason to ask questions, although it does not automatically mean someone behaved wrongly.

Who to contact: another clinician, the practice or clinic manager, the hospital’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), or a trusted advocate. PALS helps people with questions or problems at the hospital. It is part of the National Health Service (NHS), not an independent organisation.

By phone or in person: call your hospital or practice and ask for PALS, a private appointment, or someone other than the practitioner involved. Some PALS teams offer face-to-face meetings; check whether an appointment is required. You do not have to confront the practitioner yourself.

2. I want my concern recorded and answered

An NHS complaint can be made verbally, by telephone, in writing or by email. You can ask for a written record, an explanation of what will happen next, a named contact and the response you want. Complaints normally need to be made within 12 months of the event or discovering the issue, but exceptions can apply.

Who to contact: the hospital or practice complaints team, or the local integrated care board (ICB)—an NHS organisation that arranges local health services. For the same NHS complaint, you usually choose either the service that treated you or the organisation that arranged your care. Hospital PALS can explain the process. General practitioner (GP or family doctor) surgeries and dental practices also have complaints procedures.

NHS England: how to complain about NHS care. If you do not feel safe talking to the service, you can ask an independent advocate for help, or contact the police, a safeguarding team or a professional regulator when appropriate.

Private healthcare: For care you paid for yourself, start with the provider’s complaints procedure. The PHSO does not normally cover privately funded care. The Independent Sector Complaints Adjudication Service (ISCAS), 0207 536 6091, may offer independent review after the provider’s complaint stages if the provider subscribes. NHS-funded care at a private hospital generally follows the NHS route.

3. The NHS complaint was not resolved — or I need independent help

Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO)

0345 015 4033 · Monday–Thursday 9 am–4 pm; Friday 8.30 am–12 noon.

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) is independent of the NHS. An ombudsman is an organisation that can look at certain complaints after the usual complaints process has not solved the problem. It may recommend an explanation, apology, payment or a change to a service. It does not investigate every complaint fully, remove someone’s right to work in a profession or replace the police. Normally you need a final NHS complaint response first. The PHSO normally expects you to contact it within 12 months of learning about the problem. There can be exceptions. If the NHS is delaying or time may be running out, call the PHSO for advice.

PHSO: making a complaint about NHS England services · What the PHSO can and cannot do.

Free independent NHS complaints advocacy

An advocate is someone who helps you understand your options and explain what you want. You can ask for free independent advocacy before or during an NHS complaint. Find your local Healthwatch or ask your local council for its NHS complaints advocacy provider. You may be able to arrange telephone or in-person support depending on the provider. Advocates can help you express concerns but cannot guarantee an investigation or outcome.

4. I think someone may pose a risk to other patients

Professional regulators are organisations that set standards for healthcare workers and can take action when someone may not be safe to practise. They look at serious safety concerns, including sexual misconduct and abuse of professional power. You may approach them without first completing an NHS complaint where that is appropriate. They decide whether they need to investigate. Telling them about a concern does not mean misconduct has been proved.

General Medical Council (GMC) — doctors, physician associates and anaesthesia associates. Advice about raising a concern: 0161 923 6602.
Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) — nurses, midwives and nursing associates. Referral advice: 020 3307 6802.
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) — specified professions, including physiotherapists and paramedics.
General Dental Council (GDC) — dental professionals. General enquiries: 020 7167 6000.

Concern about the safety of a clinic or organisation? Tell the Care Quality Commission (CQC) about care in England: 03000 616161. It uses information to regulate services, but is not the route for resolving an individual NHS complaint. Where an adult or child may be at risk of abuse, contact the provider’s safeguarding lead or your local council’s safeguarding team.

5. I think I was sexually assaulted, or I need specialist help

Police: Call 999 for immediate danger, or 101 for a non-emergency. You can also report online or speak to an officer at a police station. You can report an incident even if it happened years ago. You do not have to decide the exact criminal offence yourself.

Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC): A place offering medical care, emotional support and practical help after sexual assault. Staff can also explain options for a medical examination to collect possible evidence (a forensic examination). You do not have to report to the police to contact a SARC. Find a SARC and call to arrange a visit.

Confidential specialist listening: Rape Crisis England & Wales 24/7 Support Line, 0808 500 2222; free telephone and online support. Anyone needing non-urgent medical advice can contact NHS 111. Check a service’s confidentiality and safeguarding arrangements if this concerns you.

6. What do I need to know before telling someone?

Do I need evidence?

No, not to seek advice, ask a question or raise a concern. Tell the receiving organisation what you remember, when it happened and what you need. Organisations may need more information or a legal reason before investigating formally, sharing private details, restricting someone’s work or imposing a penalty.

Can I speak to someone rather than complete a form?

Yes, several routes provide telephone contact. You can ask a hospital PALS team, practice, advocate or police station for a conversation in person. Regulators and the PHSO provide telephone advice, but do not assume their offices offer walk-in appointments.

Can someone help me, or can I stay anonymous?

If you are under 18: you can still ask for advice and support. A trusted adult can help, but you can also ask to speak privately. Tell the service if you are worried about anyone finding out. Staff should explain when they may need to share information to protect you or someone else.

You can ask a friend, family member or advocate to support you. Providers may require consent before discussing your care with them. Some services let you give information without your name, although that may limit what they can do next. Ask what will be recorded, who may see it, whether the person involved will be told, and any safeguarding or legal limits on confidentiality before sharing detail.

What should I ask the person receiving my concern?

Ask whether your concern will be recorded even if you do not make a formal complaint; how it will be classified; who can see it; whether it may be shared; what would trigger investigation or protective action; who is responsible for follow-up; and how you will be told about any next steps. A record of a concern is not proof of wrongdoing.

Do I have to choose just one route?

No. You may need more than one route. Police reports, complaints, safeguarding concerns and help with recovery do different jobs. A complaint being closed does not necessarily mean that safety questions, accountability or personal recovery have been resolved.

Outside England?

Healthcare complaints arrangements differ across the UK. For an unresolved NHS complaint use Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, Scottish Public Services Ombudsman or Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman as appropriate. Professional regulators may have UK-wide remits.

This independent signposting page is a research snapshot dated 30 October 2026, not legal or medical advice. Always verify current eligibility, availability and contact details with the receiving organisation. Neither affiliation with nor endorsement by any listed organisation is implied.