(Page updated 21/07/2023)
What is advocacy?
Advocacy is taking action to help people say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests and obtain services they need. Advocates and advocacy schemes work in partnership with the people they support and take their side. Advocacy promotes social inclusion, equality and social justice.
What advocacy services are available for the Isle of Wight?
People Matter IW Advocacy can, where appropriate, provide support, signposting and information for people who are not eligible for Isle of Wight Council Adult Social Care Services. PMIW Advocacy is no longer able to offer advocacy services free of charge. However, we may still be able to be of assistance so please contact us for more information.
Swan Advocacy has been delivering Independent Mental Health Act Advocacy, Independent Care Act Advocacy and Independent Mental Capacity Act Advocacy since June 2021 and now provide an Independent Health Complaints Advocacy service.
Alongside their core services we co–produce and deliver Self–Advocacy Workshops, empowering individuals who may not meet the criteria for statutory advocacy to develop self–advocacy skills.
Healthwatch IW are the independent champion for people who use health and social care services. They make sure that those running services, put people at the heart of care. Their sole purpose is to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use health and social care services and to speak out on their behalf
Southern Advocacy Services support adults with a range of diverse difficulties. Established in 2003 (formally Isle of Wight Advocacy) they are based on the Isle of Wight and work throughout the South of England supporting vulnerable adults to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are respected
PALS - Patient Advice and Liaison Service
The Isle of Wight NHS Trust is committed to providing you with the highest quality service possible; we want you to be satisfied with your care, the environment and our attitude.
The Trust welcomes comments and suggestions from everyone: patients, visitors, carers or relatives. Such feedback allows us to learn from your experience so we can improve the services we offer.
Making a complaint or raising a concern will not adversely affect your care and treatment; and no information will be held within your clinical records.
The PALS Office can be found beside the Main Hospital entrance reception and the Patient Experience Team are there to offer information and advice to help address any concerns you may have.
The Patient Experience Team contact details are:
Telephone Number: 01983 534850 or via the Hospital Switchboard: 01983 822099.
Email: iownt.PALS@nhs.net
Office Hours: 09:30 - 16:00 Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays)
Throughout the hospital you will find PALS leaflets that provide information on how to give us general feedback about your experience of the Trust, whether positive or negative.
