How to make a complaint about the
Eastern Health and Social Services Council

Our commitment

We aim to provide a quality service to all our customers. In most instances we succeed, but sometimes things can go wrong. If you are in any way unhappy with the service you have received from us we would like to hear from you immediately.

This leaflet tells you what steps to take to make a complaint.

You can complain if you are

Dissatisfied with any service provided, by the Eastern Health and Social Services Council.

How to complain

Tell the person you are dealing with that you’re not satisfied so that if possible the problem can be sorted out straight away. If you can’t agree – or find it hard to approach the person – ask to speak to the Chief Officer.

If you still can’t agree – or find it hard to approach the Chief Officer – contact the Council Chairman. The Chairman can be contacted at the Council office.

You can contact the Chief Officer by:

· Calling in person by appointment
· Telephoning
· Writing

The address and telephone number is:

Mr Richard Dixon
Chief Officer
Eastern Health and Social Services Council
1st Floor, Lesley House
25 – 27 Wellington Place
BELFAST BT1 6GQ
Tel: 02890 321230
Fax: 02890 321750

What happens then?

Your complaint will be:

· Acknowledged within 2 days
· Investigated thoroughly
· Treated confidentially
· Responded to fully, in writing, within 20 days.

If there is any delay we will let you know the reason for this and when you may expect to receive a detailed reply.

At any stage a meeting can be arranged to discuss your complaint. You may be accompanied by a relative or friend.

If you are still dissatisfied

We are committed to doing our best to resolve any complaint you may have. If having received our reply you are still dissatisfied, the Chief Officer will explain how to take it further.

You can also get in touch with the Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety, to request an ‘Independent Review’. If a review will help, your complaint will be looked at again by an independent panel which will be composed of three independent people not associated with the Council.

If you wish to request an Independent Review contact:

Ms Alison Jeynes
Department of Health, Social Services & Public Safety
Planning and Performance Department
Castle Buildings
Upper Newtownards Road
Stormont
Belfast BT4 3SJ
Tel: 028 9052 2193

What if you’re still unhappy?

You can ask the Commissioner for Complaints (the Ombudsman) to investigate your case. However, although you have the right to approach the Ombudsman at any time, he will not usually take on a case which has not first been through the complaints procedure.

The Ombudsman’s address is:

The NI Commissioner for Complaints
Progressive House
33 Wellington Place
BELFAST
BT1 6HN

Tel: 028 90 233821

Click here for PDF version of this leaflet.