On this page we expect to use the Internet to help you find important information, relating to COPD, surgeries, hospitals, pulmonary rehabilitation, expert patients courses and where and how to complain.

NHS CHOICES is a new site that makes finding out things so much more straightforward.

http://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/Pages/ServiceSearch.aspx

Enter your postcode to find local health services such as GPs, dentists, opticians, chemists and minor injuries units. You will also be able to view local hospitals, the services they offer and how they rate.

PALS (PATIENTS ADVISORY LIAISON SERVICES) IS UNDERGOING CERTAIN CHANGES SO WE WILL REVIEW THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Not all Trusts publish the consultant's names and in any case your GP will know the ones that specialise in COPD. You are now allowed to choose from four hospitals, so select the one that will best suit your needs. But bear in mind that not all hospitals will have respiratory departments with all the expertise and equipment.

If you already have COPD, you may need to find a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Course. Ask your GP to recommend you for one. See PULMONARY REHAB above.

If you have used the site in the way we have described, you will have found your local major hospital. On that page, you will find a number for the CUSTOMER CARE DEPARTMENT (Formerly PALS). Equally, if you have had a problem with the hospital during treatment you can report it to PALS ; they will follow up your enquiry or complaint for that hospital.

If you still can't find the answers that you seek or have a complaint about your local surgery then try ringing the CUSTOMER CARE DEPARTMENT at your local PRIMARY CARE TRUST.

IN CASE OF MEDICAL QUERY, RING NHS DIRECT FOR ADVICE ON TEL No 0845 4647 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). They will ask you about your problem and advise action. If they think it is very urgent, they will send an ambulance straight away, possibly also a doctor if the ambulance crew arrive and think it is necessary. In emergency dial 999.