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Common Health Questions

How do I make a complaint about my doctor?

GPs, dentists, pharmacists and opticians all have a complaints procedure.

The easiest way to sort out a complaint is to talk about it with the person involved. In many cases the problem can be dealt with straightaway. You can raise your concerns immediately by speaking to your doctor or the practice manager.

If you dont feel comfortable doing this, you can write to or telephone a complaints manager. All NHS Boards have a complaints manager who can advise you. Your GP surgery should also have someone who oversees their complaints procedure. If you are not sure who to contact you can:

  • look in the phone book under ‘health services’
  • call the NHS Helpline on 0800 22 44 88 (8am to 10pm, 7 days)
  • look on the internet at www.hris.org.uk or www.show.scot.nhs.uk/organisations/orgindex.htm

You should receive a reply to your complaint within three working days getting the complaint. You should be kept informed of progress if this is not going to happen.

For further information, see our article Complaints about NHS services. You can also telephone the NHS Helpline on 0800 22 44 88 (8am to 10pm, 7 days) for advice about how to complain and who you should get in touch with.

Further information:

Making a Complaint about the NHS (Health Rights Information Services)

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Last updated on 30 April 2010 9:26 AM

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