I have a complaint about a doctor or hospital — who do I go to?
Start with the complaints officer of the hospital or practice — every provider must have one, and most issues are resolved there with an explanation or apology. If not, Service national d'information et de médiation dans le domaine de la santé (24 77 55 15) is the independent body for patient complaints in Luxembourg: free, and it can investigate. Concerns about a doctor's fitness to practise go to Collège médical (collegemedical.lu). For compensation after a treatment error, Assureur de l'établissement / avocat or a lawyer — and ask for your full medical file first, which you are entitled to.
🗣️ What to say
"On [date] I was treated at [provider] by [name]. I want to make a formal complaint about [what happened]. I request a written response, and a copy of my complete medical file."
🪜 Step by step
- Ask for your fileYou have the right to a copy of your records. Get it before anything else; it is the evidence.
- Complaints officer firstIn writing, with dates and names. A response within a set time is mandatory.
- Not resolved: Service national d'information et de médiation dans le domaine de la santéThe patient ombudsman or complaints commission investigates independently and free of charge.
- Professional conduct: Collège médicalThe medical council or disciplinary board deals with the doctor's conduct, not with your compensation.
- Compensation: Assureur de l'établissement / avocatLiability claims run through the provider's insurer or a compensation scheme; deadlines apply from the moment you knew of the harm.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
Can I switch doctor during the complaint?
Yes, at any time. The complaint does not affect your right to care.
Is there a deadline?
Complaints: usually none, but sooner is stronger. Compensation claims: often 3–5 years from discovery. Ask Service national d'information et de médiation dans le domaine de la santé.
They say the file is "internal"
It is not. Your medical records are yours to read and copy; refusal is itself a complaint for Service national d'information et de médiation dans le domaine de la santé.
📎 Sources
- Service national d'information et de médiation dans le domaine de la santé →
- Collège médical →
- Assureur de l'établissement / avocat →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “complaint about doctor Luxembourg”
- “patient ombudsman Luxembourg”
- “hospital complaint procedure”
- “medical error compensation Luxembourg”
- “get my medical records”
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