Patient Advice and Support Service (PASS)

What is the Patient Advice and Support Service?

The Patient Advice and Support Service (PASS) is part of the Scottish Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Service.

PASS is an independent service which provides free, accessible and confidential information, advice and support to patients, their carers and families about NHS healthcare.

The Patient Advice and Support Service is delivered by local Citizens Advice Bureau. This means - that as well as helping you with an NHS complaint or concern - our trained advisers can also give you information, advice and support on just about anything.

Lots of problems such as debt, employment, housing and legal difficulties – whether big or small – can affect your health and well-being, not just those relating to healthcare and treatment.

What can the Service help me with?

The Patient Advice and Support Service can:

- Provide you with information, advice and support if you want to give feedback or comments, or raise concerns or complaints, about healthcare provided by NHS Scotland;

- Explain the NHS complaints procedure and provide the information and advice necessary to enable you to make a complaint;

- Provide practical assistance in the preparation of letters, making phone calls and supporting you in preparing for and attending meetings;

- Help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a patient;

- Assist you to access medical records, and provide practical help with obtaining clinical records and understanding these;

- Work with the National Health Service (NHS) in Scotland to improve healthcare provision – work that can be done because of the feedback you provide;

How can I access the Service?

To access the service, please call 0131 510 5510 make an appointment to see an adviser at any CAE bureau.

If additional specialist help or support is required, your adviser will then refer you to one of our two Patient Advisers covering the Lothians.