Website of the Department of Health

Complaints about the NHS

NHS staff do whatever they can to ensure you are treated properly and promptly. However, sometimes things do go wrong. There is now a standard complaints procedure throughout the NHS.

Anyone who is receiving, or has received, NHS treatment or services can complain. If you are unable to complain yourself then someone else - for example, a relative or close friend - can complain for you.

The first step in the complaints procedure is to contact the organisation you are unhappy with - for example, a hospital, GP or dentist - to try to resolve your complaint.  

• More detail on how to complain about NHS services or treatment is available on the nhs.uk website (opens new window)
• You can also download a leaflet which explains the complaints procedure