Get an explanation of what happened with your care, or an apology from those involved

If you have a concern about patient safety or the quality of care in Northern Ireland, there are a number of organisations who can help. In most cases raising your concern locally, where you received your care, is the best place to start.

We would encourage speaking with your doctor about your concerns if you feel comfortable to do so. They will be able to discuss your care and provide an explanation about what happened to you.

They may also provide an apology and outline the steps they will take to make improvements to their service.

Raise a concern about your GP

You should first raise your concern with the GP practice manager. If you don’t feel comfortable raising it with them, you can talk to your local health and social care board.

You can find contact details of your local health and social care board and more information about health and social care services on the Health services section of the NI Direct website.

Raise a concern about your treatment at a hospital or local service 

At most hospitals there's a patient liaison service, usually known as PALS, which will be to help you raise a concern about your treatment.

You should speak directly to the complaints team at your local health and social care trust. You can find details of your local trust (or board) at the NI Direct website, together with more information about raising a concern or making a complaint about health services.

You can find contact details of your local health and social care board and more information about health and social care services on the Health services section of the NI Direct website.

Concern about your private care 

If you received your care from a private provider, they will have their own individual complaints process that you can follow. We would encourage, should you feel comfortable in doing so, raising your concern with the practice manager of the hospital or clinic.

In some cases, the hospital, practice or clinic may be part of a wider healthcare group, so you may wish to raise your concern with them.

Still not sure?

You can check if we’re the right people to handle your concern via our concerns tool.

Raise my concern with you