Making a complaint

How patients can make a complaint

This page contains advice for patients which explains when you should refer a doctor to the GMC and when you should report a doctor to his employers or via local procedures.

You can also make a complaint using our online complaint form and access information about making complaints in other languages. Read our How patients can make a complaint section.

Information for health professionals

We provide separate guidance for doctors, medical directors and clinical governance managers on referring a doctor to the GMC. Read A Health Professional's Guide - How to Refer a Doctor to the GMC.

We also provide ethical quidance on raising concerns about patient safety.

Referrals to a doctor’s employer / contracting body

The GMC's powers mean we can take action in the most serious cases. In many cases patients should complain to the doctors employers or via local procedures. See our page on Referrals to a doctor’s employer / contracting body.