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Health · Switzerland
Updated September 2026

🏥 I have a complaint about a doctor or hospital — who do I go to?

Direct answer

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, Patientenstelle (DVSP) (patientenstelle.ch) is the independent body for patient complaints in Switzerland: free, and it can investigate. Concerns about a doctor's fitness to practise go to Kantonsarzt / Gesundheitsdirektion (ch.ch). For compensation after a treatment error, FMH — Aussergerichtliche Gutachterstelle or a lawyer — and ask for your full medical file first, which you are entitled to.

Call firstPatientenstelle (DVSP)
Report toKantonsarzt / Gesundheitsdirektion
If that failsFMH — Aussergerichtliche Gutachterstelle

🗣️ 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

  1. Ask for your fileYou have the right to a copy of your records. Get it before anything else; it is the evidence.
  2. Complaints officer firstIn writing, with dates and names. A response within a set time is mandatory.
  3. Not resolved: Patientenstelle (DVSP)The patient ombudsman or complaints commission investigates independently and free of charge.
  4. Professional conduct: Kantonsarzt / GesundheitsdirektionThe medical council or disciplinary board deals with the doctor's conduct, not with your compensation.
  5. Compensation: FMH — Aussergerichtliche GutachterstelleLiability claims run through the provider's insurer or a compensation scheme; deadlines apply from the moment you knew of the harm.

📇 All contacts

Patientenstelle (DVSP)Independent advice on complaintsWhen the hospital does not respond🔗 www.patientenstelle.ch
Kantonsarzt / GesundheitsdirektionSupervisory complaint against doctors and hospitalsFor breaches of professional duties🔗 www.ch.ch/de/gesundheit
FMH — Aussergerichtliche GutachterstelleExpert opinion on suspected treatment errorsBefore a compensation claim🔗 www.fmh.ch/dienstleistungen/recht/gutachterstelle.cfm

❓ 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 Patientenstelle (DVSP).

They say the file is "internal"

It is not. Your medical records are yours to read and copy; refusal is itself a complaint for Patientenstelle (DVSP).

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “complaint about doctor Switzerland”
  • “patient ombudsman Switzerland”
  • “hospital complaint procedure”
  • “medical error compensation Switzerland”
  • “get my medical records”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

⚕️Medical negligence→👨‍⚕️Find a doctor→🧒Child at risk→♿Care support refused→

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