Feedback, Compliments & Complaints
We make every effort to give the best possible service to everyone that attends our practice. We are continually striving to improve our NHS service. Any helpful suggestions would be much appreciated and are welcome at any time either informally or via our Friends & Family test, or in our 'Patient Participation Group'.
If you have a couple of minutes we would very much appreciate it if you could leave us a review on the NHS Choices website which can be found at: www.nhs.uk/Services/GP/Overview/DefaultView.aspx?id=36232
We welcome all types of feedback both positive and negative as this gives us valuable insight into where we can improve the practice.
Informal Complaints
As a patient, relative or carer, you may wish to raise a concern about any aspect of your care but do not want to make a formal complaint. We aim to respond to those complaints at the time, but if you are not satisfied, then you are entitled to make a formal complaint.
You may also make a complaint on behalf of someone else, provided you have their consent and the practice is satisfied you are acting in their best interests. If the practice decides this is not the case, you will be notified in writing and an explanation given.
We are not able to deal with questions of legal liability or compensation. We hope you will allow us to look into and, if necessary, correct any problems that you have identified, or mistakes that have been made.
Formal Complaints
It is important that you contact us as soon as possible after the cause of the complaint. We will usually only investigate complaints that are made within 12 months of the cause of the complaint. However, the time limit can be waived if there are good reasons you could not have complained sooner.
Please put your complaint in writing to either the practice or NHS England. Please write to the practice, addressed to:
The Practice Manager
Blackburn Road Medical Practice
257 Blackburn Road
Accrington
BB5 0AL
The following form can be completed: Complaints Form (DOCX, 17KB)
Oral Complaints
Patients unable or unwilling to put their complaint in writing may make their formal complaint orally. Where a complaint is made orally, the complaint shall be recorded and a copy of the written record given to the complainant.
Practice Response
We will acknowledge the complaint within 3 working days of receipt orally or in writing. When acknowledging the complaint, we will offer to meet with you to discuss the complaint, at a time to suit you. We will advise the manner in which the complaint will be investigated and the likely timescale for this investigation and when the complainant is likely to receive a written response. If you do not want to meet for a discussion then we will determine the response time and notify you in writing.
We will aim to provide a written response within 28 days. We will let you know if it is likely to be longer than this, and keep you updated with the progress of your complaint. The written response will include an explanation of how the complaint has been considered, conclusions reached and how they may affect you. It will confirm any actions that need to be taken as a consequence of the complaint.
If resolution has not been reached, you have the right to take the complaint to the Health Service Ombudsman.
The Health Service Ombudsman
The Ombudsman is completely independent of the NHS and Government. Address and contact details are as follows:
The Health Service Ombudsman for England
Millbank Tower
Millbank
London
SW1P 4QP
Tel: 0345 015 4033
www.ombudsman.org.uk.
NHS England
In April 2013 the NHS was changed in line with the new NHS Act. Primary Care Trusts and Strategic Health Authorities were abolished and their work was delegated to other organisations, including some new NHS bodies. As a result, the patient advice and liaison service (PALS) no longer exists and complaints about GP practices are dealt with by NHS England. Address and contact details are as follows:
NHS England
NHS Commissioning Board
PO Box 16738
Redditch
B97 9PT
Phone: 0300 311 22 33 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, excluding English Bank Holidays).
Email: england.contactus@nhs.net
Please write ‘For the attention of the Complaints Manager’ in the subject line.
Website: www.england.nhs.uk