Complaints
If you are unhappy with an NHS service, you have the right to complain and to have your complaint dealt with properly.
- Updated August 2026
- Clinical review pending
- 1 source
At a glance
- You can complain about NHS services and have it properly investigated.
- If you are not satisfied, you can escalate to an independent ombudsman.
On this page (2 sections)
Overview
You have the right to complain about NHS services, to have your complaint acknowledged and properly investigated, and to take it to an independent ombudsman if you are not satisfied with the response [1].
How to complain
You can usually complain to the service directly or to the body that arranges (commissions) it. Complaints are normally acknowledged within a few working days [1].
Sources
- Department of Health & Social Care (GOV.UK). The NHS Constitution for England (opens in new tab) Updated 17 August 2023. Accessed 12 August 2026.
About this page
- Written by
- Consumer Health editorial team
- Medical review
- Pending — this page has not yet been reviewed by a named clinician. Read our medical review policy.
- Last updated
- August 2026
- Next review due
- August 2027
Important: This information is for general guidance only and does not replace professional medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional — such as your GP or pharmacist — for advice about your individual circumstances, and do not start, stop or change any prescribed treatment based only on this page. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 999. Consumer Health is an independent health-information resource and is not the NHS or a government body.
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