Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO)

Overview

The PHSO investigates complaints that government departments, agencies, and other UK public bodies, or NHS bodies in England, have not acted properly or fairly or have provided a poor service. It can recommend apologies, financial remedy, and service changes. Complaints about UK government bodies must be referred by an MP (parliamentary access route).

What it handles

• NHS complaints in England (after local NHS process complete)
• Complaints about UK government departments (via an MP)
• Complaints about HMRC, DWP, Home Office, and other central government

Deadlines

• Public body's final response → 12 months to complain

Official sources