NNUH gives people a ‘friendly' push to use free NHS support and advice service ‘PALS’

PALS awareness week: 18-22 June 2012

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) is urging people to make the most of a free resource which offers confidential advice and support to NHS patients, their family members, carers and the general public. Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) has been running since 2002 and wants to remind the people of Norfolk how it can help them.

The East of England PALS Awareness Week runs from 18-22 June. In Norfolk the team will be at Chapelfield in Norwich on 20 June to promote the service. Other PALS teams from NHS Norfolk and Waveney, the James Paget Hospital and Norwich Community Health and Care will also be available to speak with shoppers about any questions they may have.

The service offers:

• advice and support for patients, their families and carers;
• information on NHS services;
• a listening ear for concerns and suggestions relating to the NHS; and
• help to resolve problems quickly on the client’s behalf.

Sarah Eastwood, NNUH PALS Manager, said: “The PALS team is here to provide information and resolve any issues or concerns patients and relatives may have with services at the hospital.”

Last year, PALS at the NNUH has helped over 1,900 patients, relatives and carers by providing information, support and advice.

Chapelfield’s general manager Davina Tanner, says:“Our customers will have the opportunity to air any worries or concerns about the NHS services they receive. PALS should be the first port of call for patients who need advice and support and we are delighted the PALS team will be on hand to offer practical help.”

Notes for editors

The NNUH PALS team can be contacted by:
Telephone on: 01603 289036
E-mail at: pals@nnuh.nhs.uk
In writing: PALS Manager, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UY
In person. PALS is open 9am – 5pm and runs a drop in service. The team is situated next to Kimberley Ward, East Block Level 2.