Compliments, Comments, Concerns and Complaints

We would encourage you to speak to whoever you feel most comfortable with – your doctor, a nurse, a receptionist or manager, but if you prefer to give your feedback in writing, please send it to the Practice Manager at the address detailed on the front of this booklet. You can also send us a message via the practice website or by posting a message in our Suggestions Box. We would also welcome your comments, concerns and ideas through our Patient Participation Group.

If you have a complaint please do not be afraid to say how you feel. We welcome feedback to help us improve our standards and you will not be treated any differently because you have complained. We will do our best to put right anything that has gone wrong and this page aims to help you to make your views known to us.

SUBMIT A COMPLAINT

Who can make a complaint?

Complaints can be made by patients either on their own behalf or by a representative (with your consent).

What are the time limits for making a conplaint?

As soon as you can whilst you can remember the details clearly. Usually the NHS Complaints Procedures only deal with complaints made within 12 months of the event or within 12 months of finding out that there is something that you should complain about. This time limit might be waived if there are good reasons why you were not able to let us know earlier and we can still carry out an effective investigation.

When somthing goes wrong

If you have a complaint or concern the quickest way to resolve it is to speak to a member of the team and if they can resolve it straight away they will do so. If not they will refer the matter to the Practice Manager who will take matters from there.

What happens next?

The Practice Manager will acknowledge your complaint and make early contact with you (within 3 working days) to discuss the way forward. The discussion can be face to face but need not be depending upon what is most convenient for all concerned. Your complaint will be investigated within an agreed timescale and you will be kept informed of progress.

What other options do I have?

Complaints can be directed to Kent & Medway ICB rather than the practice and they may oversee the investigation and respond to the issues raised. Kent & Medway ICB is obliged to notify the practice about any complaints it receives with your consent

What happens if the complaint involves a hospital?

Where other organisations such as hospitals are involved in the complaint, we will aim to provide you with a co-ordinated response covering all aspects of your complaint. Where a complaint is solely about a third party, we may seek your agreement to pass the complaint to them.

And Finally...

Once the investigation has been concluded a letter will be sent to you setting out how we investigated your complaint as well as details of the actions taken or to be taken as a result of our findings. We hope that your complaint will be resolved at this stage. If you remain unhappy, we will write to advise you that we are satisfied with the way the complaint has been investigated and to provide you with details of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman to whom you will then have recourse.

Who can help with your complaint?

• Kent & Medway ICB South East Complaints Hub
• Healthwatch: Healthwatch is an independent organisation who will listen to your views and share them with those with the power to make local services better.
• The Advocacy People: The Advocacy People are an Independent Advocacy Service who are available to support you and represent your views when making a complaint – they can accompany you to meetings to discuss your complaint and provide support or an interpreter