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Free and low-cost help

You do not have to do this alone, and you do not have to pay for a solicitor to make progress. These services are free or low cost.

What is this?

A directory of organisations that can help you understand your rights, prepare a complaint, advocate on your behalf, or support you through a court process, without a large bill. Use them early. Most of what is in these guides can be done with their support and no private legal fees.

Citizens Advice Scotland

Free. Local bureaux give free, confidential and impartial advice on rights, complaints, money and the law, and can help you draft letters and understand your options. Find your nearest bureau or use the online advice at cas.org.uk.

Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA)

Specialist charity. AvMA is the UK charity for patient safety and justice. It offers information and support to people affected by harm in healthcare, including help understanding the complaints and investigation routes. See avma.org.uk.

PASS: Patient Advice and Support Service

Free NHS advocacy. PASS is an independent, free and confidential service, delivered through Citizens Advice in Scotland, that supports patients and their carers to give feedback or make a complaint about NHS care. They can help you navigate the NHS complaints procedure, which is the step you must complete before the SPSO. Ask at your local Citizens Advice or search for "Patient Advice and Support Service Scotland".

Scottish Legal Aid Board

If you qualify. Legal aid can help with the cost of legal advice or representation if you meet the financial and case criteria. Check whether you are eligible at slab.org.uk before assuming you cannot afford advice.

Party litigant guides, Scottish Courts

Free guidance. If you are taking a matter to court yourself, for example the section 8 application for records, the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service publishes guidance for party litigants explaining how the process works. See scotcourts.gov.uk. The sheriff clerk's office can also help with the mechanics of lodging documents, though they cannot give legal advice.

Your MSP

Free. A Member of the Scottish Parliament can write to NHS boards and other public bodies on your behalf, which often prompts a more careful response. You can approach your local constituency or regional MSP, or an MSP who takes an interest in the relevant issue, such as Bill Kidd MSP. Find your MSPs through the Scottish Parliament website at parliament.scot.