Written question WQ83204
- Asked by
- James EvansConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 13 days
Question
Will the Minister look to establish an independent body, separate from health boards and Public Health Wales, to investigate general complaints against GP practices and their operating practices?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services
In Wales we already have robust process for dealing with concerns about NHS treatment in Wales called “Putting Things Right”. It is set out in regulation and allows people to raise concerns about NHS care and treatment, including that provided by GP practices and other primary care providers.
It is an accessible, open and transparent process which encourages patients, their families and carers to talk to the staff involved with their care from the outset to allow any concerns to be resolved informally if they arise. It is important that the medical providers responsible investigate concerns so they can learn from the experiences of patients and action areas for improvement.
Community Health Councils across Wales provide complaints advice and assistance to those who wish to make a complaint through Putting Things Right, including complaints in relation to GPs and other primary care providers.
The Welsh Government is committed to learning from the complaints process and making improvements accordingly. If a complainant is dissatisfied with the way in which their complaint has been dealt with, they can take their case to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales who is wholly independent of the NHS and Welsh Ministers.