Written Question · S1W-08140 · Session 1
What steps it intends to take to create an independent complaints procedure for the NHS.
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it intends to take to create an independent complaints procedure for the NHS.
The answer
The NHS complaints procedure, introduced in 1996, is designed to be independent of the NHS and Ministers. A UK-wide evaluation of the procedure is being carried out by an independent group of researchers
- 'The York Health Economics Consortium'. Their report is expected in January 2001.One of the issues the researchers have been asked to consider is whether and how the complaints procedure, including its 'independence', can be improved. The NHS complaints procedure (especially the independent review panel) is not perceived by the public to be independent. This will be one of the considerations which will be taken into account once the evaluation has been completed, and in planning the future development of the system.
- 'The York Health Economics Consortium'. Their report is expected in January 2001.One of the issues the researchers have been asked to consider is whether and how the complaints procedure, including its 'independence', can be improved. The NHS complaints procedure (especially the independent review panel) is not perceived by the public to be independent. This will be one of the considerations which will be taken into account once the evaluation has been completed, and in planning the future development of the system.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S1W-08140 by reference.