Independent Complaints Advocacy Service

The Independent Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS) is a free, confidential service in England that helps people raise concerns or complaints about NHS care or treatment. It is independent of the NHS, meaning it supports patients without bias or conflict of interest.

Key features of ICAS:

  • Support for patients and carers: Helps individuals understand the NHS complaints process and guides them through it.
  • Advocacy: Provides an advocate who can help write letters, attend meetings, and ensure the complainant’s voice is heard.
  • Empowerment: Aims to empower people to speak up about poor care or treatment and seek resolution.

For help on finding your local ICAS provider or for more details on how to make a complaint, please see below.

Cheshire East

ICAS provider: Healthwatch Cheshire East

Email: info@icascheshire.org.uk 

Phone: 0300 323 0006

Postal address: Healthwatch Cheshire East
Sension House, Denton Drive, Northwich, CW9 7LU

Website: www.healthwatchcheshireeast.org.uk/what-we-do/help-making-a-complaint/

Cheshire West

ICAS provider: Healthwatch Cheshire West

Email: info@icascheshire.org.uk 

Phone: 0300 323 0006

Postal address: Healthwatch Cheshire West, Sension House, Denton Drive, Northwich, CW9 7LU

Website: www.healthwatchcwac.org.uk/what-we-do/help-making-a-complaint/

Halton

ICAS provider: Healthwatch Halton

Email: advocacy@weareecs.co.uk 

Phone: 0300 777 6543

Postal address: Healthwatch Halton, A.R.T Centre, Tan House Lane, Widnes, WA8 0RR

Website: www.healthwatchhalton.co.uk/independent-nhs-complaints-advocacy 

Knowsley

ICAS provider: n I compass 

Email: admin@n-compasss.org.uk 

Phone: 03450 138 208

Postal address: Edward VII Quay, 3a Navigation Way, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston PR2 2YF

Website: www.n-compass.org.uk/our-services/advocacy/knowsley-advocacy-hub 

Liverpool

ICAS provider: n I compass

Email: admin@n-compasss.org.uk 

Phone: 03450 138 208

Postal address: Edward VII Quay, 3a Navigation Way, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston PR2 2YF

Website: www.n-compass.org.uk/our-services/advocacy/liverpool-advocacy-hub 

Sefton

ICAS provider: Healthwatch Sefton

Email: info@healthwatchsefton.co.uk 

Phone: 0800 206 1304

Postal address: FREEPOST RTCG-HGXH-LHRS, Healthwatch Sefton, Sefton CVS, 3rd Floor, Suite 3B, North Wing, Burlington House, Crosby Road North, Waterloo, L22 0LG

Website: www.healthwatchsefton.co.uk/independent-complaints-advocacy-service/ 

St Helens

ICAS provider: Healthwatch St Helens

Email: advocacy@healthwatchsthelens.co.uk 

Phone: 01744 45710

Postal address: Healthwatch St Helens, 2nd Floor, Beacon Building, College Street, St Helens, WA10 1TF

Website: www.healthwatchsthelens.co.uk/advice-and-information/2024-08-07/nhs-complaints-advocacy-service 

 

ICAS provider: n I compass

Email: referral@sthelensadvocacyhub.net 

Phone: 0300 3030 202

Postal address: Edward VII Quay, 3a Navigation Way, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston, PR2 2YF

Website: www.sthelensgateway.info/organisations/st-helens-advocacy-hub/

Warrington

ICAS provider: Healthwatch Warrington

Email: advocacy@weareecs.co.uk 

Phone: 0151 347 8183

Postal address: Healthwatch Warrington, The Gateway, 85-101 Sankey Street, Warrington, WA1 1SR

Website: www.healthwatchwarrington.co.uk/advocacy

(Opening hours of 09:00 – 17:00 Monday to Friday)

Wirral

ICAS provider: n I compass

Email: wirraldutyadvocate@n-compass.org.uk

Phone: 0300 2000 083

Postal address: Edward VII Quay, 3a Navigation Way, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston, PR2 2YF

Website: www.n-compass.org.uk/our-services/advocacy/wirral-advocacy-hub