Medical complaint — Patientnämnden i din region · Sweden

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, Patientnämnden i din region (1177.se) is the independent body for patient complaints in Sweden: free, and it can investigate. Concerns about a doctor's fitness to practise go to IVO — Inspektionen för vård och omsorg (010 788 50 00). For compensation after a treatment error, Löf — patientförsäkringen or a lawyer — and ask for your full medical file first, which you are entitled to.

Call firstPatientnämnden i din region

Report toIVO — Inspektionen för vård och omsorg

If that failsLöf — patientförsäkringen

🗣️ 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: Patientnämnden i din regionThe patient ombudsman or complaints commission investigates independently and free of charge.
Professional conduct: IVO — Inspektionen för vård och omsorgThe medical council or disciplinary board deals with the doctor's conduct, not with your compensation.
Compensation: Löf — patientförsäkringenLiability claims run through the provider's insurer or a compensation scheme; deadlines apply from the moment you knew of the harm.

📇 All contacts

Patientnämnden i din regionIndependent, free help with healthcare complaintsWhen the provider does not respond🔗 www.1177.se/sa-fungerar-varden/om-du-inte-ar-nojd-med-varden

IVO — Inspektionen för vård och omsorgInvestigates serious harm and licensing mattersFor serious events📞 010 788 50 00 🔗 www.ivo.se

Löf — patientförsäkringenCompensation for treatment injuries without courtWithin ten years of the injury🔗 lof.se

❓ 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 Patientnämnden i din region.

They say the file is "internal"

It is not. Your medical records are yours to read and copy; refusal is itself a complaint for Patientnämnden i din region.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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“complaint about doctor Sweden”
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