Text Only Version of WHSSC Website

With effect from 1st April 2009 the responsibilities of the Western Health and Social Services Council have transferred to the new Patient Client Council. This website will continue to be available for a short period as part of the transitional arrangements but please refer to the new organisation web site for up to date information www.patientclientcouncil.hscni.net During this time the existing contact details will remain.

- Making A Complaint

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Making A Complaint

If something goes wrong, or you are unhappy with a service, you have a right to make a complaint. There is a complaints procedure that hospitals, GPs etc. must follow.

Confidentiality

Your confidentiality is of the utmost importance. Please do not include personal, sensitive or confidential information in an email. Give a general outline of the problem, and your contact details, and we will contact you to speak to you personally.

You can get help to make your complaint. Contact the Western Health and Social Services Council.

COMPLAINTS CAN HELP TO IMPROVE A SERVICE

The complaints procedure is not a legal procedure and cannot provide compensation for medical negligence.

The Council's Role in Complaints

If you would like to discuss your complaint or need help with it please contact the Council's complaints officer.

While the Council cannot investigate complaints on your behalf, we can:

- Advise you on how to make a complaint.
- Advise you who to complain to.
- Help you with making your complaint.

You can contact the Council's complaints officer at any stage of the complaints procedure.

The Council cannot provide medical or legal advice but we can advise you how to get it.

When Something Goes Wrong

Try to make your complaint as soon as possible. Complaints should be brought within 6 months of the event - or within 6 months of you realising there was something to complain about, provided it is not more than 12 months from the event. The Trust / practitioner can waive the time limits if there is a good reason for the delay and it is still possible to investigate the complaint.
If in doubt - MAKE YOUR COMPLAINT ANYWAY. The Trust / practitioner will tell you if it is no longer possible to investigate it.

Tell the member of staff who is dealing with you. Many problems can be sorted out quickly in this way.

If you find this difficult - or you cannot agree with them - speak to their manager or the complaints officer.

Western Health and Social Services Council
‘Hilltop’
Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital
Omagh
Co Tyrone
BT79 0NS
Freephone: 0800 917 0222
Tel: 028 8225 2555
Fax: 028 8225 2544
Minicom: 028 8224 8389

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