Health Service Ombudsman

 

When can I complain to the Health Service Ombudsman?

You can complain to the Health Ombudsman if:

Who can complain to the Health Service Ombudsman?

The person complaining can be the patient, a relative or someone else. If you are complaining on behalf of someone you must explain why the patient is not doing so and if the patient supports the complaint (and obtain their written consent).

Is there a time limit?

There is a time limit. You need to send your complaint to the Ombudsman no later than one year from the date when you became aware of the events which are subject of the complaint. If there are special reasons why the Ombudsman had not been contacted within this time limit, the Ombudsman may extend the time limit, but only if there are special reasons.

Will the Ombudsman investigate my complaint?

The Ombudsman can refuse to investigate your complaint and there is no appeal against this decision except through the Courts in the form of a Judicial Review. If your complaint involves the refusal of a Convenor to hold an Independent Review, the Ombudsman may request the Convenor to reconsider this decision or the Ombudsman may possibly decide to investigate the complaint.

If you have commenced legal action or intend to sue, the Ombudsman will not investigate your complaint.

You can contact the Ombudsman at the following address:

Health Service Ombudsman for England
13th Floor
Millbank Tower
LONDON
SW1P 4QP

Telephone: 0845 015 4033

Website: www.ombudsman.org.uk

General Medical Council

If you are thinking about making a complaint about your doctor you should also be aware of the role of the General Medical Council (GMC)

The GMC gives doctors their license to practice medicines in the UK and keeps an up-to-date registar of quailified doctors. The GMC was set up to protect patients and guide doctors, and they take action if they have doubts about whether a doctor should stay on the medical register.

They take action if:

Action that the GMC take ranges from a warning letter to, in most serious cases, restricting or removing a doctor’s right to practice medicine. The GMC cannot, however, award any form of compensation.
If you think your complaint should be considered by the GMC, please contact the GMC direct at:

General Medical Council
178 Portland Street
London
W1N 6JE

Tel: 0171-915 3603

Fax: 0171-915 3642
If you wish to visit the GMC web site please click here