Complaints and feedback
Complaints Policy
We make every effort to give the best service possible to everyone who attends our practice.
However, we are aware that things can go wrong resulting in a patient feeling that they have a genuine cause for complaint. If this is so, we would wish for the matter to be settled as quickly, and as amicably, as possible.
To pursue a complaint please contact the complaints team via email: nelondonicb.petersfieldsurgerycomplaints@nhs.net or the link form in the section below, and we will deal with your concerns appropriately. Further written information is available on the complaints procedure leaflet from reception.
What we do next:
We aim to settle complaints as soon as possible.
We will acknowledge receipt within 3 working days, and aim to have looked into the matter within 10 working days. You will then receive a formal reply in writing, or you may be invited to meet with the person(s) concerned to attempt to resolve the issue. If the matter is likely to take longer than this we will let you know, and keep you informed as the investigation progresses.
When looking into a complaint we attempt to see what happened and why, to see if there is something we can learn from this, and make it possible for you to discuss the issue with those involved if you would like to do so.
When the investigations are complete, your complaint will be determined and a final response sent to you.
Where your complaint involves more than one organisation (e.g. social services), we will liaise with that organisation so that you receive one coordinated reply, if possible. We may need your consent to do this. Where your complaint has been sent initially to an incorrect organisation, we may seek your consent to forward this to the correct person to deal with.
The final response letter will include details of the result of your complaint and also your right to refer the matter further to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (details shown at the back of this leaflet) if you remain dissatisfied with the response.
Complaining on Behalf of Someone Else:
We keep to the strict rules of medical and personal confidentiality. If you wish to make a complaint and are not the patient involved, we will require the written consent of the patient to confirm that they are unhappy with their treatment and that we can deal with someone else about it. In the event the patient is deceased, then we may agree to respond to a family member or anyone acting on their behalf or who has had an interest in the welfare of the patient.
We are continually striving to improve our service. Any helpful suggestions would be much appreciated and a suggestion box is located in the waiting area.
You have the right to approach the Ombudsman if you are not happy with our response.
The contact details are below:
The Health Service Ombudsman in England
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
Millbank Tower
30 Millbank
London
SW1P 4QP
Tel: 0345 0154033
Website: www.ombudsman.org.uk
http://www.ombudsman.org.uk/make-a-complaint (to complain online or download a paper form).
Independent Advice and Advocacy Support:
You can get free support, at any time, from your local independent complaint’s advocacy service. The details are as follows:
This service is provided by The Havering Integrated Advocacy Service. You can contact them by:
Telephone: 020 7510 1081 / 01708 5606600