Complaints

Making a complaint is one way that helps organisations to learn lessons from their mistakes and to prevent them happening to anyone else.

How can I make a complaint?

You can make a complaint in writing, by email, over the telephone or in person. Your complaint should be made as soon as possible and at the most within a year of the event or within a year of you realising that you have something to complain about. You can make a complaint on your own or on behalf of someone else with their permission.

Who should I contact with my complaint?

Doctor (GP), dentist, pharmacist or optician

  • Contact the service directly or the NHS England Customer Contact Centre on 0300 311 22 33 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

NHS services commissioned for the people of Nottingham City

Community based services

Hospital treatment at Queen's Medical Centre (QMC) & City Hospital

Mental health services

NHS Services in Nottinghamshire County

  • Tel: 0800 028 3693 and press 1 for the north CCGs (Mansfield and Ashfield, Newark and Sherwood) or press 2 for the south CCGs (Nottingham North and East, Nottingham West and Rushcliffe)

Information on how to make a complaint can be made available in other languages, on audio cassette or CD, in large print, Braille and in illustrated format. Interpreters can also be arranged including sign interpreters.

Can I get help and support with making my complaint?

Yes. An organisation called POhWER can provide you with support and advocacy. You can contact POhWER by phone on 0300 020 0093 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

What will happen once I make my complaint?

Complaints will be dealt with in a manner that is proportionate and appropriate to the issues raised. Your complaint will be investigated and the NHS organisation responsible will aim to resolve the concerns and where needed take action to prevent the incident from happening again.

Is it confidential?

Your right to confidentiality will be respected throughout the investigation. However, there may be times when we need to share information without your consent, for exampl to protect children and vulnerable adults.

What if I am still not satisfied?

If you are unhappy with the response to your complaint you should contact the service directly to see if they can look into the case further or you have the right to take your complaint to the Health Service Ombudsman.
There are time limits for taking a complaint to the Ombudsman, although she can waive them if she thinks there is a good reason to do so. You can contact their helpline on 0345 015 4033 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Further information is available at www.ombudsman.org.uk. You can write to the Ombudsman at: The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, Millbank Tower, Millbank, London SW1P 4QP.