What happens if something goes wrong?

• Plan properly for the recovery period and ask what possible complications could arise at your initial consultation or before the treatment
• Immediate post-operative problems will be solved during your stay in the hospital, so it is good to allow some flexibility to your schedule - just in case
  Ask your doctor to explain what is and isn’t normal for the days following treatment.
• If something does go wrong, if you are unhappy with your surgery or it has been badly performed talk to your doctor straight away to seek a resolution
• If infections or other problems occur afterwards you should contact your doctor (or the hospital if you’ve already been discharged) immediately and follow their instructions

How do I complain?

• All private hospitals must have a complaints procedure and be able to provide information to their patients about how to complain
• Ask for a copy of the hospital or insurance company’s complaints procedure if you are making a formal complaint
• Keep a record of all phone calls, letters, emails, face to face conversations, etc, including who you spoke to, what was said and the date/time

Advice

• If you are unsure about what to do at any point, the following organisations can provide help and advice:
• The Patients’ Association represents the interests of patients and provides independent advice on pursuing a private complaint
• Action against Medical Accidents is a charity helping patients who have suffered from medical accidents and clinical negligence
• Independent Sector Complaints Adjudication Service (ISCAS), if you have a complaint about a hospital/clinic/treatment centre which subscribes to the ISCAS complaints scheme