The Health Complaints Commissioner is an independent statutory officer who -

• helps health service users and providers resolve complaints about health services;
• investigates complaints and makes recommendations to improve the quality of health services;
• where appropriate conciliates health complaints. This can result in the making of quality improvements, an explanation, an apology, or an agreement to pay compensation.

The Health Complaints Commissioner does not advocate on behalf of the parties to a complaint, nor does the Commissioner give legal advice.

A complaint can be made about a health service provider, registered or unregistered, in either the public or private sector, and can include concerns about -

• health care and treatment
• access to services
• communication and behaviour

Before making a complaint you should try to resolve the problem direct with the provider of the health service. If you are not able to resolve the problem satisfactorily, then you can contact the Office of the Heath Complaints Commissioner. Complaints should be submitted using our complaint form, available online below.

Generally the Commissioner does not accept complaints that are more than two (2) years old.

The Commissioner's services are free.