Concerns about end of life care
More than half of the complaints referred to the NHS ombudsman in the UK concern end of life care, with an emphasis on spiritual matters. If you are unhappy about the end of life care your relative has received, you can make an official complaint. Please see the links below for more information.
Concerns about a funeral services
For any concerns or complaints you have about a funeral director, talk to the National Association of Funeral Directors Arbitration Scheme. It is also possible to write a review of a funeral director on the Funeral Advisor website provided by the Natural Death Centre
Concerns about legal or financial matters
If you are unhappy with the way your relative’s legal and financial issues have been dealt with by your lawyer, or you want any advice about legal issues, contact the Law Society.
Further help and support
Inspection and regulation by UK country
England
NHS Choices: making a complaint
Advice on how to make a complaint about end of life care.
Checks quality of care meets national standards in all areas of the NHS across England.
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
Investigates complaints about poor service.
Wales
Health in Wales - Public accountability
Hub for complaints and suggestions about treatment in NHS Wales.
Scotland
Healthcare Improvement Scotland
National body monitoring all NHS and independent healthcare services in Scotland.
Northern Ireland
Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority
Monitors and inspects the availability and quality of health and social care services in Northern Ireland.
General
Will point you in the right direction if you want to make a complaint about end of life care.
Provides advice if you want to make a complaint against medical staff.
Legal issues
Deals with your rights and the law
Provides information on how to make a complaint against a solicitor or barrister.
This content has been funded by Macmillan Cancer Support. It was commissioned as part of Find Me Help, Dying Matters' new online search tool which gives access to a comprehensive database of national and local organisations providing support and advice for people coping with death, dying and bereavement.
