What you can and can’t complain about

You CAN complain about…

NHS Scotland treatment, staff and services
NHS-Scotland funded services received in a private hospital
NHS Scotland failure to follow appropriate process
dissatisfaction with NHS policy
an issue within the last 6 months
an issue you found out about within the last 6 months, to a maximum of 12 months since it occurred

Private healthcare
other services not provided by or funded by the NHS
a routine first-time request for a service – for example, an appointment
treatment in order to get a second opinion
something that you have known about for over 6 months, or that happened over 12 months ago*
an issue that has already been raised with the NHS, or with the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO)
a complaint arising from a suggested failure to comply with a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act
any complaint already the subject of medical negligence or legal action
any complaint where you have stated in writing that you intend to take legal action
pursuing financial compensation
disciplinary action against a member of staff, although this may happen separately through the appropriate professional body
an issue that occurred in England, Wales or Northern Ireland

*The Health Board or Practice etc may consider your complaint if there are special circumstances, but they are not required to.