In England, there is a standard complaints procedure to use if you are not happy with care services provided by local authorities or with health services provided by the NHS. See Chapter 38(11) for details.

For complaints in the rest of the UK about hospitals, GPs and NHS services, the best starting point is your local Community Health Council in Wales, the Patient Advice and Support Service (provided by Citizens Advice) in Scotland, or the Patient and Client Council in Northern Ireland. They can advise you on the correct procedure and might be able to help you make your complaint.

Patients detained in hospitals or care homes under the Mental Health Act can contact the Care Quality Commission (0300 061 6161; cqc.org.uk/contact-us/how-complain/complain-about-use-mental-health-act ), who will look into the complaint. In Scotland, contact the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland (0800 389 6809; mwcscot.org.uk ).