Medical complaint — Pasient- og brukerombudet · Norway

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, Pasient- og brukerombudet (pasientogbrukerombudet.no) is the independent body for patient complaints in Norway: free, and it can investigate. Concerns about a doctor's fitness to practise go to Statsforvalteren (statsforvalteren.no). For compensation after a treatment error, Norsk pasientskadeerstatning (NPE) or a lawyer — and ask for your full medical file first, which you are entitled to.

Call firstPasient- og brukerombudet

Report toStatsforvalteren

If that failsNorsk pasientskadeerstatning (NPE)

🗣️ 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: Pasient- og brukerombudetThe patient ombudsman or complaints commission investigates independently and free of charge.
Professional conduct: StatsforvalterenThe medical council or disciplinary board deals with the doctor's conduct, not with your compensation.
Compensation: Norsk pasientskadeerstatning (NPE)Liability claims run through the provider's insurer or a compensation scheme; deadlines apply from the moment you knew of the harm.

📇 All contacts

Pasient- og brukerombudetIndependent, free help with healthcare complaintsWhen the provider does not respond🔗 www.pasientogbrukerombudet.no

StatsforvalterenHandles complaints about health personnel and servicesFor breaches of patient rights or proper care🔗 www.statsforvalteren.no

Norsk pasientskadeerstatning (NPE)Compensation for patient injuries without courtWithin three years of knowing about the injury📞 22 99 45 00 🔗 www.npe.no

❓ 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 Pasient- og brukerombudet.

They say the file is "internal"

It is not. Your medical records are yours to read and copy; refusal is itself a complaint for Pasient- og brukerombudet.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

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

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