Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA)

The purpose of AvMa is to support people affected by avoidable harm in healthcare; to help them achieve justice; and to promote better patient safety for all. They can give advice on making a complaint to the NHS or private healthcare; coping with an inquest or taking legal action. 

AvMA’s free services:

AvMA services are generally restricted to telephone or written advice. Apart from providing support at a limited number of inquests, they cannot provide advocacy services to individual patients/families. AvMA’s services include:

1. Self-help guides: Comprehensive resources to help people impacted by avoidable medical harm understand their rights and the steps they can take - Access AvMA’s self-help guides.

2. Helpline: Available Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 3.30 pm. Their helpline offers a sympathetic ear and specialist advice from trained volunteers. They will listen to you, advise you of your options, and help guide you through the process. If needed, they can refer you to their inquest or written advice services or to an accredited clinical negligence solicitor— Call AvMA’s helpline on 0345 123 2352.

3. Pro bono inquest service: For eligible cases, providing support during healthcare inquests. Apply for inquest support.

4. Advice and Information Service: For complex cases, they offer detailed advice on professional regulatory matters, such as referring cases to the General Medical Council (GMC), Nursing and Midwifery Council and other bodies; however, they cannot provide advice or support in matters related to access to services, access to treatment, or second opinions