Traumatised And Looking For Answers

[emily1890]

hi all.

my question involves complaining about an NHS service

case in point: a local mental health team that have really let me down. without going in to to much detail, some of the things they have done are- lie to me, not try to respect my needs after they were made aware of what they were, encouraged "bad" thoughts and feelings, never followed up with me after I went threw something at the hospital, and got my notes mixed up with another patient.

the problem is, that the service itself doesn't want to know stating it doesn't want me to ruin their reputation, but I feel that I do need to complain about them, not just for me (and to give me closure), but to make sure others arn't treated in the same way. I feel worse now than I did before using them and I kind of want answers (or if not answers, then at least my voice heard and my complaint taken seriously)

has anyone used a service to complain about the NHS, and if so, what were the results. did you get what you were looking for?

thanks

[bednobs]

hi emily, i used to be a complaints manager at the NHS, although i have never had need to complain myself.
I would encourage you to use the service

[ToraToraTora]

it would help if we knew what your issue is.

[Ringlet]

My daughter is a service users' advocate within the NHS. She has always stressed to me that all complaints and requests for clarification are taken very seriously and scrupulously followed through. This is what she has assured me and although I have never needed to lodge a complaint myself I believe what she tells me because I know that she has a high level of integrity. On the strength of what my daughter has said I would encourage you to lodge your complaint and fully explain your case. That is what I would do, if I were you.

[Mamyalynne]

Use this page to help you decide what avenue to take.

https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/how-to-complain-to-the-nhs/

[emily1890]

thanks Mamyalynne. that's useful!

[Peter Pedant]

PALS will assist you
there will be one in the hospital you are complaining about

[emily1890]

thanks Mamyalynne and peter. very useful responses!