A personal complaint against Queensland Health is “an expression of dissatisfaction on a consumer’s behalf to a responsible party” which can be made verbally or in writing by the patient, their solicitor or lawyer, a carer or a family member which may or may not involve negligence. A complaint against a doctor, nurse, healthcare provider, medical practitioner or hospital may also be made by consumer organisations, groups of consumers or members of the public. It should be noted that a consumer complaint about any medical service offered by Queensland Health is not the same as a medical negligence compensation claim which would usually be dealt with by a solicitor in a court of law. A consumer complaint to Queensland Health does not require representaion by a solicitor and does not give rise to an award of damages for patients suffering from personal injury caused by clinical negligence.
SOLICITORS HELPLINE 07 3613 7325
^^ back to the topOnce a complaint about a doctor, nurse, healthcare provider, medical practitioner or hospital has been made to Queensland Health, the issues raised are confidentially discussed with those who are involved following referral to a Complaints Coordinator who will acknowledge receipt of the application within five days of receipt. In some cases the matter will be dealt with by the health service and in others the issue may be referred to another agency (usually situated in Brisbane) for mediation or investigation. The outcome of the investigation will be advised to the complainant and Queensland Health will seek to use the conclusions of the investigation to improve their services. Whilst Queensland Health is not able to make an award of damages for erroneous procedures, the conclusion made in the final report may be of use to the patient as evidence, in the event that a subsequent summons for a claim for compensation for medical negligence is issued by a solicitor in a court of law.
SOLICITORS HELPLINE 07 3613 7325
^^ back to the topIn the event that the complaint about a doctor, nurse, healthcare provider, medical practitioner or hospital, made to Queensland Health is not resolved to the satisfaction of the consumer the matter may be reconsidered by the Health Quality and Complaints Commission situated in Brisbane which is an independent organisation that reviews and investigates health complaints. It should be noted that non-consumer complaints should be directed to the Queensland Health reporting concerns portal and public health complaints can be made to the Queensland public health forum.
SOLICITORS HELPLINE 07 3613 7325
^^ back to the topEven when not involving issues of alleged negligence these matters can include complex procedural, legal and medical issues and our solicitors are able to offer advice and representation to individuals who wish to make a consumer complaint to Queensland Healthcare. It may be of critical importance to ensure that the outcome represents an accurate assessment of the situation as the report may in due course provide substantial evidence in a medical negligence compensation claim. In most cases we carry out the work necessary to represent a client making a personal complaint against Queensland Health on a 'pro bono' basis which means that we do not make any charge for this service.
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