A NEW customer care organisation working in hospitals in Huddersfield and Halifax has received more than 440 inquiries in the last 10 months.

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (Pals) was established last October.

It provides support to patients, carers and relatives.

It also helps to resolve hospital difficulties on the spot.

It is one of hundreds of new Pals set up across the country at every NHS hospital trust.

Most inquiries at the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust are involved with communication and care.

Others include contacts for local and national voluntary groups, bereavement support service, residential and nursing care and questions on accessing family doctors.

Pals manager Jill Pell said: "The service has been received well by patients, carers, their families and staff.

"Most of our clients receive a speedy response. Fewer than 1% go on to make a formal complaint."

Mrs Pell said the service would be linking up with Huddersfield's primary care trusts to provide an integrated Pals service.

Pals also accept reports of hate incidents - such as actions against gays and ethnic minorities - and are developing volunteering.

The conventional complaints service still exists, but people should speak to Pals first. Ring 01484 343128.