The NHS is often hailed as being one of the best health care systems in the world and there’s certainly no doubting that the medical staff throughout in the UK on the whole do a brilliant job under difficult circumstances.

From time to time, however, things go wrong and cases of medical negligence do arise. When this happens people of all ages may feel compelled to lodge a complaint against the NHS and possibly even try and launch a compensation claim.

A total of 148,200 written complaints were made against the NHS in England in 2010/11 alone, according to figures released by the NHS in August 2011. While this figure actually marks a slight decrease compared to the 151,832 written complaints in 2009/10, it does serve to highlight the number of disgruntled people upset at the level of service received from the NHS.

Here are a few pointers to get you started should you want to make a complaint against the NHS:

Where do I start with the complaints process?

Banish any fears you may have about making a complaint potentially being difficult because the NHS, to their credit, ensure it’s quite a straightforward process. The NHS recommend that you raise any concerns you may have either in writing or in person with the practitioner concerned and the organisation they work for. Both will have a complaints manager whose job it is to investigate any issues that arise. Approach your local primary care trust if you feel that’s the necessary course of action or alternatively consult the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, who review complaints against the NHS.

Who do I complain to?

As mentioned, there are several channels of communication open for people wanting to make a complaint against the NHS. From taking the matter to your local NHS primary care trust or to an independent body such as the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, there are a couple of options available to ensure you’re able to raise your concerns and raise awareness of any potential wrongdoing.