If you are unhappy about any aspect of the NHS treatment or care you have received, you can make a clinical negligence complaint to the person or hospital that treated you under the NHS Complaints Procedure. This procedure is explained in detail on the Department of Health website but is made up of 3 main parts which are, briefly:
A complaint in writing to your local NHS hospital or NHS doctor which will be investigated and a letter of reply sent directly from them answering your complaint.
If you are not satisfied with the response you can then ask for an Independent Review. A Convener is appointed to review the response and decide if an Independent Review should go ahead or if the matter should be referred back to the Hospital or Doctor with specific issues to be addressed.
If you are refused an Independent Review or if you are unhappy with the outcome of the Independent Review, you can refer your case to the Health Service Ombudsman to investigate further.
We can help you with any clinical negligence complaint at any stage during this process. For example, we can help you write the initial letter of complaint, clarify any responses you receive, talk through your worries and so on.
In addition, Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS) and the Independent Complaints Advocacy Services (ICAS) can provide help and advice too.
