The Patient Ombudsman is an independent Ontario office, established under the Excellent Care for All Act, 2010, that responds to and investigates complaints from patients and caregivers about public hospitals, long-term care homes, and home and community care services. It is intended as an avenue of last resort, generally after the patient has first tried to resolve the concern with the health sector organization directly.
The Patient Ombudsman can make findings and recommendations to improve patient experience, but it cannot award compensation, discipline a professional, or overturn a clinical decision. Its role is therefore distinct from the regulatory colleges, which govern individual practitioners, and from the civil courts, where an injured patient seeks damages. For patients, an Ombudsman investigation can nonetheless clarify what happened and prompt systemic change.
Posts tagged Patient Ombudsman analyze the role and decisions of the office and how it fits alongside regulatory complaints and civil claims in Ontario.
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.