In this practice we take complaints very seriously indeed and try to ensure that all our patients are pleased with their experience of our service. When patients complain, they are dealt with courteously and promptly so that the matter is resolved as quickly as possible. This procedure is based on these objectives.
Our aim is to react to complaints in the way in which we would want our complaint about a service to be handled. We learn from every mistake that we make and we respond to customers’ concerns in a caring and sensitive way.
The person responsible for dealing with any complaint about the service which we provide is Miss Laura Wright- Hider, Practice Manager.
If a patient complains on the telephone or in person, we will listen to their complaint and offer to refer him or her to the Practice Manager immediately. If she is not available at the time, then the patient will be informed when they will be able to talk to her and arrangements will be made for this to happen. The member of staff will take brief details of the complaint and pass them on. If we cannot arrange this within a reasonable period or if the patient does not wish to wait to discuss the matter, arrangements will be made for someone else to deal with it.
If the patient complains in writing or by email, it will be passed on immediately to the Practice Manager.
If a complaint is about any aspect of clinical care or associated charges it will normally be referred to the dentist concerned, unless the patient does not want this to happen.
We will acknowledge the patient’s complaint in writing and enclose a copy of this code of practice within three working days.
We will seek to investigate the complaint within ten working days of receipt to give an explanation of the circumstances which led to the complaint. If the patient does not wish to meet us, then we will attempt to talk to them on the telephone. If we are unable to investigate the complaint within ten working days we will notify the patient, giving reasons for the delay and a likely period within which the investigation will be completed.
We will confirm the decision about the complaint in writing immediately after completing our investigation.
Proper and comprehensive records are kept of any complaint received as well as any actions taken to improve services as a consequence of a complaint.
If patients are not satisfied with the result of our procedure, then a complaint may be made to:
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, Millbank Tower, Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP. Telephone: 0345 015 4033 | www.ombudsman.org.uk.
If you are still unhappy about your NHS complaint, you can contact the Parliamentary Health Ombudsman (England): by calling 0345 015 4033 or visiting www.ombudsman.org.uk.
NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board.
Email directly to bnssg.customerservice@nhs.net.
You can also contact the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who regulates private and NHS dental care services in England by calling 03000 616161. They can take action against a service provider that is not meeting their standards who may be able to help.
The General Dental Council is responsible for regulating all dental professionals. You can complain using their online form at www.gdc-uk.org contact them on information@gdc-org.uk or by calling 020 7167 6000.
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Testimonials
As a person with a fear of dentists who had not visited one in 8 years I can honestly say Dentist Tim Lindop and Nurse Lisa made me feel at ease. They were friendly and professional and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Tim took the time to thoroughly explain to me what he was going to do before beginning which took a lot of my anxiety away. After explaining my concerns Tim was very patient and understanding and the injections I received were very gentle. Excellent dental practice with exceptional staff, I won't be going anywhere else in future.
