Advocacy means helping another person to communicate their views and wishes.
GPs often act as advocates for patients when dealing with issues in the hospital or by making sure that their patients’ and/or families’ voices are heard when a decision is needed about their care.
Advocacy involves looking at choices together and helping patients to make decisions. It may be writing a letter of support or communicating on behalf of the patient.
When advocates who are not part of social services or the NHS are needed, they can be found in Leeds at:
- Leeds Independent Health Complaints Advocacy https://advonet.org.uk/services/health-complaints-advocacy