Medical complaint — HSE · Ireland

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, HSE — Your Service Your Say (1800 424 555) is the independent body for patient complaints in Ireland: free, and it can investigate. Concerns about a doctor's fitness to practise go to Medical Council (medicalcouncil.ie). For compensation after a treatment error, Office of the Ombudsman or a lawyer — and ask for your full medical file first, which you are entitled to.

Call firstHSE — Your Service Your Say

Report toMedical Council

If that failsOffice of the Ombudsman

🗣️ 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: HSE — Your Service Your SayThe patient ombudsman or complaints commission investigates independently and free of charge.
Professional conduct: Medical CouncilThe medical council or disciplinary board deals with the doctor's conduct, not with your compensation.
Compensation: Office of the OmbudsmanLiability claims run through the provider's insurer or a compensation scheme; deadlines apply from the moment you knew of the harm.

📇 All contacts

HSE — Your Service Your SayFormal complaint process for public health servicesFirst, in writing, within 12 months📞 1800 424 555 🔗 www2.hse.ie/services/hse-complaints

Medical CouncilFitness to practise, doctor conductFor concerns about a doctor's conduct or competence🔗 www.medicalcouncil.ie

Office of the OmbudsmanIndependent review of unresolved HSE complaintsAfter the HSE's final answer📞 01 639 5600 🔗 www.ombudsman.ie

❓ 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 HSE — Your Service Your Say.

They say the file is "internal"

It is not. Your medical records are yours to read and copy; refusal is itself a complaint for HSE — Your Service Your Say.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

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