We’ve all been there. Whether it’s service in a restaurant, dealing with a utility company or care at the hospital. Something might not have gone to plan and we’re upset enough to threaten an official complaint.
However, something puts us off and many people don’t go through with it.
When it comes to healthcare, all too often it’s because we believe it will be complicated and frustrating, say Healthwatch Isle of Wight.
Preventing suffering for others
The watchdog add that the number one reason people say they would complain is to prevent others having to suffer, but the time-consuming and complicated system puts them off. Many people feel nothing will come of it, so don’t bother.
But unless a complaint is made, a service provider may never know where they went wrong or how they can improve their service.
Complaints survey
Healthwatch Isle of Wight has now launched a survey for people that have made a complaint about an NHS provider since January 2014. This includes things like GPs, outpatient clinics, A&E, hospital care.
Healthwatch Isle of Wight have agreed to work alongside the Trust to monitor and improve the current systems, but will remain an independent watchdog at all times.
Take the survey
If you’ve made a complaint and have not been satisfied with the response (if you actually got one) you can now share your experience through this totally anonymous survey.
To access the survey please visit the Healthwatch IW Website or you can get a paper copy by calling (01983) 608608.
Alternatively you can visit Healthwatch at the Isle of Wight Citizens Advice Bureau in the IsleHelp Advice Hub, 7 High Street, Newport, where you can share your experiences in person or alternatively you can email [email protected]
Sam’s case
Carol and Bob Bridgestock, parents to Sam Farren (the young woman with serious back problems whose case we featured in February), were not shy in making their feelings about how their daughter had been treated known.
They hoped their complaint would help improve the communication between St Mary’s Hospital on the Isle of Wight and Southampton General Hospital.
However, their complaint to the Isle of Wight NHS, despite now being several days past the extended period, has still not resulted in an official response.
Hopefully they’ll be hearing back from the Trust very soon.
Image: Lars Ploughmann under CC BY 2.0
