§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if advocacy, liaison and facilitation will be core functions of the Patient Advocacy Liaison Service. [144191]
§ Ms StuartPatient advocacy and liaison services will be available in all trusts and will act as a welcoming point for patients and carers and as a clearly identifiable information point. They will act as a facilitator to handle patient and family concerns, and have direct access to the chief executive and the power to negotiate immediate solutions. Where necessary, they will steer patients and families towards the complaints process and additional independent advocacy support.