What is the process for making a complaint to the NHS?

The text outlines a formal complaints process for NHS patients. If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of an NHS complaint, specifically after receiving a Complaints Procedure (CoP) letter, you can refer the matter to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO). This is a distinct step from the initial internal NHS complaint process.

How long do I have to make a clinical negligence claim?

A claim for clinical negligence is subject to a three-year limitation period. This time limit generally begins from the date of the injury or from the date you became aware of the injury. It is recommended to instruct a clinical negligence solicitor, often on a Conditional Fee Agreement, to handle such claims.

How can I access my medical records?

The text indicates that patients can request access to their medical records through a Data Subject Access Request (DSAR). This is listed as a key area of patient rights alongside complaints and clinical negligence. The specific procedural details for submitting a DSAR are not detailed in this summary.

Is legal aid available for Mental Health Act detention reviews?

For individuals detained under the Mental Health Act, the text states that non-means-tested legal aid is available. This legal aid is specifically for accredited solicitors. This provision is distinct from the general clinical negligence advice, which suggests using a Conditional Fee Agreement.

What topics are covered regarding NHS patient rights?

The content covers several areas of patient rights in England and Wales, including the NHS complaints process, referrals to the PHSO, clinical negligence claims, mental health rights, and data access. It also mentions specific tools like a PHSO complaint deadline checker and DSAR requests for medical records.

All Situations

For NHS Patients

Complaints process, PHSO referral, clinical negligence, mental health rights, and data access.

Reviewed 2026-05-22

Common Problems

Make an NHS complaint

PHSO referral after CoP letter

Clinical negligence — possible claim

DSAR for medical records

Mental Health Act detention review

Your Rights

Your Rights as a Patient

Your legal rights when receiving healthcare, including consent, complaints, and access to treatment.

Key Legal Topics

Medical & Healthcare Law

Consent to treatment, clinical negligence, mental health, NHS duties, and patient rights.

Mental Health Law

Legal framework for the assessment, detention, and treatment of persons with mental disorders under the Mental Health Act 1983.

Letter Templates

Formal NHS Complaint

Stage 1 NHS complaint letter to a provider in England, before escalation to PHSO.

Subject Access Request (DSAR)

UK GDPR Article 15 request for a copy of your personal data held by an organisation.

Legal Tools & Calculators

PHSO complaint deadline

12 months for NHS / government department complaints.

Frequently asked questions

What is the process for making a complaint to the NHS?: The text outlines a formal complaints process for NHS patients. If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of an NHS complaint, specifically after receiving a Complaints Procedure (CoP) letter, you can refer the matter to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO). This is a distinct step from the initial internal NHS complaint process.
How long do I have to make a clinical negligence claim?: A claim for clinical negligence is subject to a three-year limitation period. This time limit generally begins from the date of the injury or from the date you became aware of the injury. It is recommended to instruct a clinical negligence solicitor, often on a Conditional Fee Agreement, to handle such claims.
How can I access my medical records?: The text indicates that patients can request access to their medical records through a Data Subject Access Request (DSAR). This is listed as a key area of patient rights alongside complaints and clinical negligence. The specific procedural details for submitting a DSAR are not detailed in this summary.
Is legal aid available for Mental Health Act detention reviews?: For individuals detained under the Mental Health Act, the text states that non-means-tested legal aid is available. This legal aid is specifically for accredited solicitors. This provision is distinct from the general clinical negligence advice, which suggests using a Conditional Fee Agreement.
What topics are covered regarding NHS patient rights?: The content covers several areas of patient rights in England and Wales, including the NHS complaints process, referrals to the PHSO, clinical negligence claims, mental health rights, and data access. It also mentions specific tools like a PHSO complaint deadline checker and DSAR requests for medical records.

When to Get Legal Advice

Clinical negligence: 3-year limitation from injury or knowledge. Instruct a clinical negligence solicitor on a Conditional Fee Agreement. For Mental Health Act detention, non-means-tested legal aid for accredited solicitors.