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How long do I have to make a complaint?
The NHS has a time limit for complaints. Normally, you must make your complaint:
- within six months of the event you want to complain about, or
- within six months of you finding out you have a reason to complain (but no longer than 12 months after the event).
However, if you feel the time limit should not apply to your complaint, please speak to the person dealing with your complaint. Sometimes a complaint can be accepted after the time limit.
You can complain to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman about a decision by the NHS not to accept your complaint. You can find out more about the role of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman in the section 'What if I'm not happy with the way the NHS has handled my complaint?'.
Page last edited: 30 July 2010