Complaints Procedure

In this practice we take complaints very seriously indeed and try to ensure that all patients are pleased with their experience of our service.

When patients complain, they are dealt with courteously and promptly so that the matter is resolved as quickly as possible. This procedure is based on these objectives.

Complaints made to the practice

1. The person responsible for dealing with any complaints about the service is: Dr B.S.Bhandal and Mrs E Lawton
2. If a patient complains on the telephone or at the reception desk, we will listen to His or Her complaint and offer to refer him or her to Mrs E Lawton. If Mrs E Lawton is not available at the time, then the patient will be told when He or She will be able to talk to the dentist and arrangements will be made for this to happen. The member of staff will take brief details of the complaint and pass them on. If we cannot arrange this within a reasonable period or if the patient does not wish to wait to discuss the matter, arrangements will be made for someone else to deal with it.
3. If the patient complains in writing the letter will be passed on immediately to: Dr B.S.Bhandal/ Mrs E Lawton
4. If a complaint is about any aspect of clinical care or associated charges it will normally be referred to the dentist, unless the patient does not want this to happen.
5. We will acknowledge the patient’s complaint and a copy of this Code of Practice within three working days. You will be invited to discuss your concerns, we will seek to investigate the complaint within the agreed response period of the complaint being received to give an explanation of the circumstances which led to the complaint. If we are unable to investigate the complaint within this agreed time period we will notify the patient, giving reasons for the delay and a likely period within which the investigation will be completed.
6. We will confirm the decision about the complaint in writing immediately after completing our investigation.
7. Proper and comprehensive records are kept of any complaint received.
8. Bhandal Dental Practice welcomes all complaints; any patient that makes a complaint will not be adversely treated due to having complained.

If you do not wish to complain directly to the Practice you can address your Complaint directly to:

NHS England Contact Centre: Telephone 0300 311 2233

Independent Complaints Service Advocacy Service (ICAS)
Tel 0845 120 3748
www.pohwe.net/ho_we_can_help/independant.html

If you are not satisfied with the outcome from either the Practice or NHS England you have the right to complain directly to:

Parlimamentary & Health Service Ombudsman
Millbank Tower
Millbank,
London
SW1P 4QP

Email: www.ombudsman.org.uk  Tel: 0345 015 4033