GP, dentist and hospital access
Examples: Cannot get a GP appointment, No NHS dentist, Problem with care at QA Hospital.
What do you need?
Pick one — each answer below says where to start and where to go next.
I want to report a problem or apply for something
Start here
NHS (nhs.uk)
Find and register with a GP surgery, or find a dentist offering NHS appointments →
Why them: GP and dental practices are independent contractors; you apply to them directly.
- Show practices near you
- Guarantee a dental practice is taking NHS patients
- Find a dentist — For NHS dental appointments
Checked 23 September 2026 · source
Also useful
NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight (ICB) — Patient Experience
Ask the ICB where you can get an NHS dental appointment if you cannot find one → · 0300 561 2561
Why them: nhs.uk says the local ICB manages dental services and may be able to tell you where to get an appointment.
- Advise on local NHS dental access
- Take complaints about services it commissions
- Guarantee an appointment
Checked 23 September 2026 · source
I want to challenge a decision that has been made about me
Start here
The NHS provider (GP practice, dentist or hospital trust)
Make a complaint to the practice or trust — or to the ICB, but not both →
Why them: The provider has your records and staff involved, so it can usually resolve things fastest.
- Investigate and respond, with details of your right to go to the Ombudsman
- Normally consider complaints more than 12 months after the event or after you became aware
- NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight (ICB) — Instead of the provider (not as well as), e.g. if you would rather not complain directly
- Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman — At the end of the local NHS process — no MP referral needed for NHS complaints
Checked 23 September 2026 · source
I need someone to help me with my case
Start here
Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust — PALS
Ask the Patient Advice and Liaison Service to help resolve a hospital problem →
Why them: PALS can often resolve Queen Alexandra Hospital problems informally and explains how to complain if not.
- Resolve issues informally
- Explain the complaints procedure and independent help
- Investigate serious matters — it may suggest a formal complaint
Checked 23 September 2026 · source
Also useful
NHS complaints advocacy — The Advocacy People (via Healthwatch Portsmouth)
Get free, independent help to make an NHS complaint →
Why them: NHS complaints advocacy is a statutory right; Healthwatch Portsmouth names The Advocacy People as the local provider.
- Support you at any stage of an NHS complaint
- Decide the complaint
Checked 23 September 2026 · source
I want to change how things are done, not just fix my case
Start here
Healthwatch Portsmouth
Share your experience so it feeds into how local services are planned →
Why them: Healthwatch is the independent statutory body for patient feedback on local health and care services.
- Gather and report patient experience to commissioners
- Investigate individual complaints
Checked 23 September 2026 · source
Also useful
Your MP (Portsmouth North or Portsmouth South)
Ask your MP to raise national law or funding with ministers →
Why them: NHS funding, workforce and the GP and dental contracts are set nationally, so they are genuinely MP matters.
- Write to or question ministers
- Raise the issue in Parliament
- Make representations on your behalf to UK government departments
- Direct council officers or decide council spending
- Overturn a court, tribunal or council decision
Checked 23 September 2026 · source
I have complained and it has not been put right
Start here
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
Ask the Ombudsman to review your NHS complaint →
Why them: It makes final decisions on unresolved NHS complaints in England and is independent of the NHS.
- Investigate after the local NHS process has finished
- Start before you have complained to the NHS organisation
Checked 23 September 2026 · source
Your councillors and MP
Useful if the route above has failed, or it's about local policy. Optional: we look up your postcode once and never store it.
Good to know
This tells you where to start and what comes next. It is not legal advice. Time limits shown are the ones each body publishes; always check your own decision letter, which may give a different deadline.