How to advocate for a loved one in hospital 

It’s a stressful and emotional experience when a loved one is in hospital. Whilst you want to trust that they’re in the best hands, you may also feel worried or unheard. This article provides practical steps you can take to be an effective advocate for your loved one, helping you work with the medical team to support their care. 

1. Be a Prepared Partner in Their Care 

When speaking to busy doctors and nurses, preparation makes an enormous difference. Keep a small notebook specifically for hospital matters where you jot down questions as they occur to you, for instance, at 2am when you’re worrying, or whilst reviewing discharge paperwork. Being organised helps older patients and their families go through healthcare systems more effectively. During ward rounds or consultant meetings, refer to your notes to make sure that you get clear answers about treatment plans, medication changes, or discharge timelines. Ask staff to explain medical terminology you don’t understand, and don’t feel embarrassed about requesting they repeat information, because medical professionals expect this and should welcome engaged family members asking relevant questions. 

2. Keep a Simple, Factual Record 

Hospital stays can become a blur of shifting information, multiple staff members, and countless conversations. Try noting down dates, times, and brief summaries of important discussions, including the names and roles of people you spoke with. This isn’t about building a “case” but about maintaining accuracy when recalling what different doctors said across various shifts. Keeping organised records helps patients and families communicate more effectively with healthcare teams. These notes prove important when different specialists ask about your loved one’s medical history or when you need to recall exactly what was promised regarding pain management or physiotherapy. 

3. Know the Official Channels for Help 

If you feel your concerns aren’t being heard on the ward, your first step should be the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). Every NHS trust operates one, with their role being to help resolve problems and mediate between families and hospital staff. PALS services can often sort out issues quickly, whether that’s arranging meetings with senior staff, clarifying confusing information, or addressing concerns about care quality. They’re independent from the ward team, which allows them to view situations objectively whilst understanding hospital procedures that might perplex families unfamiliar with NHS systems. 

4. Understand How to Escalate Concerns 

If PALS cannot resolve the issue and you remain seriously worried, request meetings with the ward manager, consultant, or matron. For formal complaints about care quality, NHS trusts have complaints procedures with specified response timeframes. In situations where you believe significant errors in care have occurred, such as missed diagnoses, medication mistakes, or surgical complications, you may benefit from seeking guidance from medical negligence solicitors who specialise in healthcare law to understand your options and whether circumstances warrant legal action. 

Trust your instincts. Being a calm, persistent, and informed advocate is a vital role. When following these steps, you can help make sure that your loved one’s needs are front and centre and that you’re working constructively with the medical team for the best possible outcome. “