Formal complaint letter about a doctor

Use this letter to make a formal complaint to a clinic, practice or hospital about the care, treatment, conduct or communication you received from a doctor or other health professional. Most providers have a complaints procedure, and a written complaint usually starts it.

Your letter

This is general information to help you understand your options — not legal advice. Laws change and depend on your circumstances; before you act, check with an official body, a union, a legal aid service or a lawyer. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.

Tips

Complain as soon as you can, as many complaint procedures have time limits.
Write down what was said and who was present while it is fresh, and keep copies of letters, test results and prescriptions.
If you are unhappy with the response, you can usually escalate to an ombudsman, health authority or the professional regulator for doctors.
You can ask a patient advocacy service, friend or family member to help you write or attend meetings.
If you need urgent care, seek it first. A complaint should not delay treatment.

Formal complaint letter about a doctor

Your details

Your letter