What if none of these attempts produce results?

If you do not have a satisfactory care plan or you cannot get assessed, you could think about making a complaint. You should write to the Chief Executive of the local Mental Health or Primary Care Trust. Download the draft letter which should help you do this:Letter of complaint to Primary Care Trust (23 kb)

They should also be able to give you information about the Independent Complaints Advocacy Service:

ICAS is a free, confidential and independent service which can help you make a formal complaint about your NHS experience. You can contact your local ICAS office direct, or through NHS managers at hospitals and GP practices, NHS Direct, and the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). ICAS has regional offices. The contact numbers (by region) are:

London: 0845 120 3784

South- East: 0845 600 8616

Eastern (Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire): 0845 456 1082

Eastern (Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk): 0845 456 1084

Eastern (Essex): 0845 456 1083

South West: 0845 120 3782

West Midlands: 0845 120 3748

East Midlands: 0845 650 0088

North East: 0845 120 3732

North West: 0845 120 3735

Yorkshire/ Humberside: 0845 120 3734

If this is unsuccessful, you could also think about asking the Healthcare Commission to review your case. The Healthcare Commission is an independent body established to promote improvements in healthcare. You will need to write to the commission to formally request an independent review. Try and send copies of your original complaint letter and the response to it. Download the draft letter to help you with this:Request to the Healthcare Commission for a review (21 kb)

You can also contact the Healthcare Commission to get advice about making your
complaint by...

• phoning: 0845 601 3012
• emailing: complaints@healthcarecommission.org.uk
• writing to: Healthcare Commission, FREEPOST NAT 18958, Complaints Investigation Team, Manchester, M1 9XZ.

If this is unsuccessful, you could think about mounting a legal challenge. If you are unemployed or on a low income, you may qualify for legalaid so that you will not have to pay legal costs to do this. The Rethink National Advice Service will be pleased to help you with your Healthcare Commission complaint or help find a lawyer to act for you. Contact the advice service by ‘phoning 020 8974 6814 (open Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm), writing to Rethink Advice, 28 Castle Street, Kingston upon Thames, SURREY KT1 1SS or emailing advice@rethink.org.