Anne Rabbitte
Question:1802. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the status of the complaint lodged (details supplied); the options open to a person in such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1948/24]
View answerWednesday, 17 January 2024
Questions (1802)
Written answers
I would like to highlight the options open to individuals and their families to make a complaint about care they have received in the public health system. Under Part 9 of the Health Act 2004 a patient has the right to complain about any action of the HSE or a service provider that they believe was not fair or had an adverse effect on them. The HSE has appointed designated Complaints Officers to ensure the effective management of complaints throughout their relevant areas of responsibility. Further information is available at www.hse.ie/yoursay or via telephone on LoCall number: 1890 424 555. If a patient is still unhappy with the outcome of this process, you can request an independent review of the complaint from the Office of the Ombudsman.
I would also like to highlight the Patient Advocacy Service. This service is aimed at supporting patients who wish to make a complaint about care received in a public hospital. The service offers a confidential helpline with experienced advocates on-hand to provide information and support to patients who want to make a formal complaint to the HSE about the care they experienced. The Patient Advocacy Service has a team of patient advocacy officers, advocacy team leads and a service manager providing information and support to patients across Ireland by phone, email and through online information and in person. Further information on the service can be found by ringing 0818 – 293 003 between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday or by visiting www.patientadvocacyservice.ie
In this regard I have arranged for the individual's correspondence to be referred to the HSE and this will then be forwarded to Saolta Hospital Group for investigation and direct reply to the individual.
Members of the Oireachtas are advised that at this time, the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible.