Resources for Health Consumers
If you have immediate concerns about the health and safety of a person, or you need an ambulance you can contact emergency services on 000.
If you need health advice you can phone the Health Direct hotline on 1800 022 222 or visit the website on www.healthdirect.gov.au to check your symptoms, find a health service or find health information.
The Commission acknowledges that dealing with healthcare concerns can be a stressful and difficult experience for patients, families and carers. If you need support for your health and wellbeing during the complaint process you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
HEALTH CONSUMER ADVOCACY GROUPS AND FORUMS
The following groups and forums represent the interests of Australian health care consumers.
SUPPORT FOR CARERS
Many people in the NSW community provide ongoing, unpaid care and support to someone who needs help due to an illness, disability or ageing. The Carers NSW website has helpful information and links to resources and support information for carers. You can also contact their Carers Hotline on 1800 242 636.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND SUPPORT
The NSW Health website has a detailed contact list of mental health services, resources and support contacts.
SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS
The following organisations provide detailed information, including information about support available to people with chronic health conditions.
SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY
AGED CARE SUPPORT AND INFORMATION
MULTICULTURAL HEALTH INFORMATION
MEDICATION INFORMATION
FEES AND CHARGES FOR HEALTH SERVICES
MORE INFORMATION FOR HEALTH CONSUMERS
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care website contains useful information for health consumers including patient stories, health information and more.
Still need more information
If you would like to speak to someone at the Commission for more information before you lodge a written complaint you can contact the Inquiry Line during business hours, Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm on 1800 043 159 or submit an online inquiry.
Online inquiry
Ready to lodge your complaint
All complaints must be made in writing and we aim to assess complaints within 60 days. Your complaint will be allocated to an assessment officer and we will write to you to explain the outcome of your complaint.
Click here to make a complaint
Track my complaint
You can track the progress of your complaint online.
Click here to track your complaint