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Making a complaint about the NHS
The NHS in Scotland tries to give you the best possible care and
treatment. Staff value comments, good or bad, to help them improve
the
service. If you are not happy about anything, please let a
member of staff know.
The information that follows explains how to complain using the NHS complaints procedure.
What can I complain about?
Things you can complain about include:
- care or treatment you have had or are having in the NHS
- anything to do with the place where you are seen, for example, a doctor's surgery, a hospital or an ambulance
- any member of NHS staff involved in your care
- how NHS services in your local area are organised, if this has affected your care or treatment.
If your complaint involves another part of the NHS or another organisation, such as social services, the NHS will deal with the complaint or pass it on to someone in the other organisation. You will be told who is dealing with your complaint.
What can't I complain about?
There are some things you can't complain about through the NHS complaints procedure, and these include:
- private health care or treatment
- services not provided or funded by the NHS, and
- something which you are taking legal action about.
The NHS complaints procedure doesn't usually provide financial compensation. If you want advice about financial compensation, you should contact your local citizens advice bureau or a solicitor.
Page last edited: 30 July 2010