Complaints
If you have a complaint or concern about the service you have received from the doctors or any of the personnel working in this practice, please let us know. We operate a practice complaints procedure as part of an NHS complaints system, which meets national criteria.
HOW TO COMPLAIN
We hope that we can sort out most problems easily and quickly, often at the time they arise and with the person concerned. If we are unable to resolve the problem at an early stage, then you should discuss the matter with one of our Receptionist Supervisors. If you then wish to complain formally they will help you to do this.
If you wish to make a formal complaint, please do so as soon as possible, ideally within a matter of a few days. This will enable us to establish what happened more easily. If doing that is not possible your complaint should be submitted within 12 months of the incident that caused the problem; or within 12 months of discovering that you have a problem. You should address your complaint in writing to the Complaints Manager. They will make sure that we deal with your concerns promptly and in the correct way. You should be as specific and concise as possible.
COMPLAINING ON BEHALF OF SOMEONE ELSE
We keep strictly to the rules of medical confidentiality (a separate leaflet giving more detail on confidentiality is available on request). If you are not the patient, but are complaining on their behalf, you must have their permission to do so. An authority signed by the person concerned will be needed, unless they are incapable (because of illness or infirmity) of providing this. A Third Party Consent Form is available from reception.
WHAT WE WILL DO
We will acknowledge your complaint within 3 working days and aim to have fully investigated it within 10 working days of the date it was received. If we expect it to take longer we will explain the reason for the delay and tell you when we expect to finish. When we look into your complaint, we will investigate the circumstances; make it possible for you to discuss the problem with those concerned; make sure you receive an apology if this is appropriate, and take steps to make sure any problem does not arise again.
You will receive a final letter setting out the result of any practice investigations.
TAKING IT FURTHER
If you remain dissatisfied with the outcome you may refer the matter to:
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
Millbank Tower
Millbank
London
SW1P 4QP
Tel 0345 015 4033
