Anyone ever been down the NHS Complaints Procedure ???

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Anyone ever been down the NHS Complaints Procedure ???

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Anyone ever been down the NHS Complaints Procedure ??? I made a complant about advice I was given in relation to risks of breast cancer.

I recieved a letter saying it would be investigated within 4 weeks. Anyway, I found some information that I though was important and wrote to the hospital concerned with a supplementary letter, I recieved a letter back stating that I was due a response however it wouldnt be the 4 week timescale and that I would hear from them shortly, there was no new timescale. Should they be setting out a new timescale???

Love

Sharleen

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complaints procedure Sharleen,
Yes i have had to go through the complaints procedure, regrettably.
The easiest way to get answers from your Primary Care Trust or hospital as to why they are breaking away from the normal and stated timeframes is to go and see your MP.
It does not matter what you vote for, your MP is your elected representative and will represent your interests and contact the hospital for answers on your behalf, and whereas you and I would have to go through hoops to be able to contact the heads of power they seem to have a hot-line to the top!
I and my family have used this route twice with concerns over treatment, cancellations and changes to ‘qualifying criteria’ and have been successful in quick time on both.
You can find your local MP by looking in the phone book and make an appointment at his local ‘surgery’.
Hope this information helps.
Best wishes and Good Luck, it is just a shame that we have to learn how to fight for our life! which in simple terms is what it is!

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,have you thought of PALS - patient advice and liaison service - their brief is to advocate for patients and help with complaints.

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Healthcare Commission I’ve currently got a complaint in with the Healthcare Commission re PCTs refusal to fund Herceptin (I’ve complained about the awful way the appeal was actually conducted and the policy used).

healthcarecommission.org.uk/Homepage/fs/en

Any hospital or PCT should have a PALS service who could give you advice.

Sandra

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NHS Complaints Procedure Hi Sharleen,

Yes, I’ve been down this route.

The Trust are legally obliged to reply within 20 working days. Ring up the person whose name is on the letter. Remind them of this fact. If there is some reasonable reason why they cannot respond within 20 working days ask them to put it in writing with a date by which you will receive a response. If there is no good reason or a vague reason tell them you will be contacting the Chief Executive followed by your MP. This will concentrate their minds wonderfully.

Best wishes,

Sue

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recieved a response I recieed a response this morning, see my thread within the genetics section.

Thanks for ur replies

Love

Sharleen