A hospital complaint is a concern raised directly with a hospital about the care or service a patient received, handled through the hospital’s patient relations process. Under the Excellent Care for All Act, 2010, Ontario hospitals are required to have a patient relations process and to respond to patient and family feedback, including complaints about clinical care and conduct.
The hospital complaints process is internal and service-oriented. It can produce an explanation, an apology, or a change in practice, but it does not award compensation and is distinct from both regulatory discipline of individual professionals and a civil claim. Where a complainant is dissatisfied with a public hospital’s response, the Patient Ombudsman may be able to investigate. A complaint can, however, be a useful early step that surfaces information about what occurred.
Posts tagged Hospital Complaints analyze the hospital complaints and patient relations process in Ontario and its relationship to regulatory and civil avenues.
A practical guide to filing complaints about medical care in Ontario, from hospital patient relations and the Patient Ombudsman to the regulatory colleges and the Office of the Chief Coroner.
A practical guide to making a complaint about hospital care in Ontario, including the legislative framework, the disclosure rights you have, and how to get a substantive response.
Free, confidential consultations. Paul reviews every potential case personally and tells you honestly whether it merits investigation.