Making a complaint against a NHS consultant

Michael_K

I had a meeting with a NHS consultant for minor surgery that was less than ideal. I sought and got treated elsewhere.

I am considering making a complaint about the consultant's conduct. What are the risks with doing this? Is there a risk of a defamation claim over anything I write in a complaint? Can the case become public?

As regards compensation, I've read conflicting information about what is available through the NHS complaints system. I want to avoid having to use a solicitor and NHS funds going towards solicitor's fees.

wondercollie

Write to the governing body and outline your concerns.

What was it that caused the problem? Physical or sexual assault? Consultants are known to have a "better than thou" attitude and either talk above or below everyone's heads.

Why do you feel you deserve compensation? Hurt feelings? Well you found another doctor and got treatment.

I've walked out of gynacologists offices and found treatment from another due to a condenscending attitude. It never crossed my mind to get compensation.

j.e.j.

if you were treated on the nhs, they usually have a certain set of procedures you have to follow with regard to making a complaint. I know where I was this involved contacting the hospital P.A.L.S. in the first instance, and escalating it higher afterwards, or where necessary. If you take a look at the hospital website where you saw the consultant there should be some info on there.

I would have thought defamation would only apply if you write something that is not true, but I can see you might be in a situation where it's your word against his/hers. You should still be able to tell your version of events, though.

It's good that you managed to get the problem sorted elsewhere. Not that you should have to, but it's becoming increasing the case that you can't rely on the nhs..

jenniewb

I'd agree with J.e.j. above, contact PALS.

PALS (Patient Advice and Liason Service) is a sort of middle-man and will talk about what has happened with you and get you further information- they are not there to support the hospital staff they are there to support you.

I made a complaint about a year and a half ago which I wont go into too much detail here after a bad experience with a physio (who wrongly diagnosed me due to their assumptions I was pathetic/weak rather then what actually turned out to be- following a scan the very next week, a fracture)

I had the manager apologise to me and further assess me and it did get back to the original physio.

I also made a point of writing to another Doctor (though not a consultant) by writing a letter to the consultant in charge to state how unhappy I was with the previous appointment and basicly got a second opinion with regards to my problem which did help relay my original fears- in this case the reason I'd made my complaint was not to get an apology it was to get myself properly diagnosed and help stop my worrying about what the problem could be.

I think you'd be best talking to PALS about this to initially work out what you want to get from a complaint and then to work out the best way of going about this- its not always as easy starting out cold and working out things yourself.

I hope you get somewhere with it all.