anyone with experience of complaining to NHS

[billiejeanbob]

I am unsure if I should continue with my complaint and formally lodge it with the chief of NHS in my LA.

I have met with dd's paed to discuss my concerns and she just apologised and waffled on. Now she has written a report based on this meeting and sent it to the LA!

has anyone ever complained about the NHS or asked for a second opinion about a dx?

[Sarah121]

Yes I have and it was a waste of time. Unless the doctor chops the wrong leg off they always find excuses for the issue(s) including it was the patients own fault/records were not passed on etc. The PALS teams are also very well meaning, nice and friendly but about as much use as a tampon to a goldfish. I will not go into the gory details of my complaints re: my mothers treatment, but quite frankly as far as medical people are concerned, I came away thinking I wouldn't piss up their arse if their kidneys were on fire.

[billiejeanbob]

thanks sarah.
you have just confirmed what I was already thinking!
dd's paed has changed her dx to cover up for a mistake made by an OT in a report for evidence at tribunal. I can prove this as have all the relevant reports etc, but just cant be bothered with the fight if the diagnosis wont be reviewed.

[TurquoiseCat]

I'm bumping this for you billie.

Sarah121 has been widely reported for goady fuckery, so please do not place any importance on her comments.

[JJXM]

I have complained about the NHS and their long waiting lists for autism assessment and other problems. The NHS response was pathetic and after giving them a second chance, I then referred my case to the Parliamentary and Health Ombudsman. They were excellent and partially upheld my complaint which has forced changes within my Trust. They also recommended that we were given a small amount of compensation for our distress and that we were issued an apology. I found the ombudsman very professional and compassionate - their report on my complaint will eventually be on their website. However, it is a very long process - just over a year from initial complaint to the NHS.

[MeirAiaNeoAlibi]

Constructive complaints should be welcomed. But at PALS comment- was told this too. Personally, my only experience complaining was when hospital wouldn't give access to records, and PALS did actually help me.

Quite separately, you have a right to request a second opinion (usually done via the GP) and in most circumstances, you'll get one.

[Botherations]

I complained years ago about how my ds had been treated to PALs and I got a long rambling phone call which was rather ranty from the person involved. To be fair a lot of it was admin issues, but it was VERY awkward being pulled over in the car with young dc locked in a twenty min phone call about how the failings weren't HER fault. I was hardly going to say they partially were.