Medical complaint — Rzecznik Praw Pacjenta · Poland

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, Rzecznik Praw Pacjenta (800 190 590) is the independent body for patient complaints in Poland: free, and it can investigate. Concerns about a doctor's fitness to practise go to Okręgowa Izba Lekarska — Rzecznik Odpowiedzialności Zawodowej (nil.org.pl). For compensation after a treatment error, Fundusz Kompensacyjny Zdarzeń Medycznych (RPP) or a lawyer — and ask for your full medical file first, which you are entitled to.

Call firstRzecznik Praw Pacjenta

Report toOkręgowa Izba Lekarska — Rzecznik Odpowiedzialności Zawodowej

If that failsFundusz Kompensacyjny Zdarzeń Medycznych (RPP)

🗣️ 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: Rzecznik Praw PacjentaThe patient ombudsman or complaints commission investigates independently and free of charge.
Professional conduct: Okręgowa Izba Lekarska — Rzecznik Odpowiedzialności ZawodowejThe medical council or disciplinary board deals with the doctor's conduct, not with your compensation.
Compensation: Fundusz Kompensacyjny Zdarzeń Medycznych (RPP)Liability claims run through the provider's insurer or a compensation scheme; deadlines apply from the moment you knew of the harm.

📇 All contacts

Rzecznik Praw PacjentaFree helpline, investigationsWhen the provider does not respond📞 800 190 590 🔗 www.gov.pl/web/rpp

Okręgowa Izba Lekarska — Rzecznik Odpowiedzialności ZawodowejProfessional proceedings against a doctorFor breaches of medical ethics🔗 nil.org.pl

Fundusz Kompensacyjny Zdarzeń Medycznych (RPP)Compensation for a hospital medical event without courtWithin a year of learning of the harm, up to 3 years after the event🔗 www.gov.pl/web/rpp/fundusz-kompensacyjny-zdarzen-medycznych

❓ 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 Rzecznik Praw Pacjenta.

They say the file is "internal"

It is not. Your medical records are yours to read and copy; refusal is itself a complaint for Rzecznik Praw Pacjenta.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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