MAIDSTONE Hospital has launched an on-the-spot problem advice service for its patients and staff. The new Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) will also call for changes, where necessary, to any hospital services which are criticised by patients and relatives.

Lynda Longhurst, PALS officer at the hospital, will run the service from the HealthShop in the main entrance. Mrs Longhurst said: "I would anticipate that in time, by providing a speedy, efficient and proactive service to the public, complaints about services could be reduced and public satisfaction would increase. I also feel that this role would provide me with a great opportunity to improve the overall service provided by the hospital by listening and acting upon the voices of the public and I relish such a challenge."

The new service is part of a range of Government initiatives due in the next 12 months to further represent patients' rights.

Community Health Councils will continue to act as patient watchdogs until at least March 2003. Maidstone CHC chief officer Jean Jones said it would continue to represent patients as normal.

She added: "We're here to give help and support to patients who have complaints against the health service. We still provide independent advice and monitor the NHS locally on behalf of patients and will do so until at least March 2003."