Any NHS patient can complain about any NHS service they have received and are unhappy about. You can complain on behalf of someone else in certain circumstances (see more below). NHS services include treatment and care given by your GP, dental surgery, hospital and the ambulance service.
My mother is elderly and I don’t feel she could manage a complaints process. Can I complain for her?
You may complain for a friend or relative as long as they agree to let you complain on their behalf. It is useful to get their permission in writing. We have included a sample “consent and confidentiality form” in the Information pack which you could use.
My partner has Alzheimer’s Disease. Do I still need her permission to make a complaint?
If your friend or relative is very ill, or does not have the capacity to give permission because of an impairment or a disability, you may complain on their behalf without their permission.
My father died and I didn’t have his consent to act for him. Can I complain about his treatment?
Yes. You may raise a complaint or take over a complaint on behalf of a friend or relative who has died, even if you do not have their written permission. In some cases the NHS can decide not to accept you as a suitable representative; they may suggest another person. You can appeal against this decision by writing to the Healthcare Commission.
My nephew is 15 and has Down’s Syndrome. Can I complain on his behalf without his written permission?
Not usually. If a young person under 16 does not have the capacity to make a decision about their treatment, only a parent or guardian may complain on behalf of their child without permission. For more information on mental capacity, visit www.direct.gov.uk
Can I complain about something that happened in the past?
It depends how long ago it happened. You should make your complaint:
- within 6 months of the incident happening
- within 6 months of you realising you had something to complain about
I had an operation in a private hospital. Can I complain to the NHS?
It depends. If the NHS paid for your operation in a private hospital, you can complain to the NHS. If you paid for your treatment yourself or through private medical insurance, you cannot complain to the NHS. The private hospital will have its own complaints procedure that you should follow.
I want to sue the surgeon who operated on me. How do I go about it?
You will need to take legal action if you want to make a claim for compensation. The NHS Complaints Procedure does not deal with these cases. You can get free advice on whether or not to take legal action from an independent charity, Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) or speak to a solicitor (see Useful Addresses).
