Home > Can the Ombudsman help you > Make a complaint > Health > How to make a complaint
Before you send your complaint to the Ombudsman you should have complained to the NHS organisation or practitioner involved (we recognise this is not always possible). They should give you full details of the NHS complaints procedure and try to sort out your complaint.
A number of NHS trusts and local authorities are currently trialling a two stage complaints process to find out more click here
You can also talk to Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) (opens in new window) staff or the complaints manager (if your complaint is about a hospital) or contact the Independent Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS)(opens in new window) for your area. The Ombudsman, PALS and ICAS work closely together to help guide NHS users through the complaints process.
The Healthcare Commission (opens in new window) also has a Helpline service for complainants. Call 0845 601 3012 or email complaints@healthcarecommission.org.uk.
If you are just starting the complaints process you may find it useful to look at our guide to making a complaint against the NHS, a government department or agency which contains some general advice on how to complain effectively and will hopefully help you resolve your complaint at an early stage.
There are time limits at each stage of the NHS complaints process so you should try to complain as soon as possible. For advice on the process and making your complaint contact our Helpline on 0845 015 4033.
Back to top
<< Previous / Next >>
|
