Self-help guides

AvMA’s self-help guides have been written by experts to help guide you through the process of taking action following a medical injury. In clear and straightforward language, they set out the procedures you will need to follow, and legal rights and obligations, and contain useful contact details for regulatory bodies, advice services and other organisations that may be of help.

If you find these guides helpful, please consider leaving feedback to help us improve our services.

Is there a guide that we don’t have that you would have found useful? We are always looking to expand our range of guides so please contact us to let us know and we will see if we are able to produce a guide on that subject.

AvMA’s services

How AvMA can help you following a medical accident

Making a complaint about NHS or private healthcare

Making a complaint to the NHS in England

Making a complaint to the NHS in Scotland

Making a complaint to the NHS in Wales

Making a complaint about health and social care in Northern Ireland

Complaining about private healthcare

Sample letter of complaint

Access to medical records

Serious incident reports

The duty of candour: What it means for patients and their families

Help with an inquest

Investigating deaths caused by medical treatment:
coroners and inquests:
This guide is currently being updated and a new version will be available soon. If you require information about inquests please view the Ministry of Justice guide below or call our helpline on 0845 123 2352.

Ministry of Justice guide to coroner’s services

Self-help guides

AvMA’s services

Making a complaint about NHS or private healthcare

Help with an inquest

Instigating disciplinary action against a healthcare worker

Making a legal claim for compensation

Acting for a baby or child

Other advice