The NHS complaints regulations 2004 have been amended in September 2006. The amendments are intended to make the system more responsive and give better links with the arrangements for responding to social care complaints. Complaints raised before 1 September 2006 will be dealt with under the The National Health Service (Complaints) Regulations 2004, which came into force on 30 July 2004.

Links to legislation

National Health Service (Complaints) Regulations 2004 (external link)

National Health Service (Complaints) Amendment Regulations 2006 (external link)

Local resolution

Independent review by the Healthcare Commission

Independent review by the Health Service Ombudsman

Help for the NHS with implementation

Key features of the new NHS complaints regulations