We would be delighted to hear any compliments and these can be given verbally, in writing or by using the patient feedback section! We always share feedback with our team.
We take complaints very seriously. If you would like to make a complaint regarding the surgery or the services we offer, please contact the practice in writing. Every effort will be made to answer your concerns as soon as possible.
You can send your complaint by email to Licb.complaints.mertonlodge@nhs.net
or in writing to:
To Management team,
Merton Lodge Surgery
33 West Street
Alford
Lincolnshire
LN13 9HT
Alternatively, you can request a call back from one of our department managers to discuss your concerns.
We operate an informal, in-house complaints procedure to deal with your complaints and comments. This procedure does not deal with matters of legal liability or compensation. In some cases, the in-house procedure is not an appropriate form of investigation, in which case you will be referred to the appropriate authority.
Your complaint should be addressed to general management as above, who will ensure that it is investigated thoroughly, fairly and as speedily as possible although, in some cases, it may take longer if we have to make further enquiries.
If your complaint relates to a specific department, the details of the complaint will be passed to the departmental manager / team lead of that department to investigate.
We aim to acknowledge your complaint within three working days of receipt and complete our investigations within 2 months.
We will ensure that your complaint is investigated by the appropriate person within the Practice. It is likely that, as a first step, the investigator will contact you directly to ensure that he or she fully understands your complaint. The investigator will then interview appropriate members of the Practice staff and may inspect relevant documents.
Please note that the Practice must ensure strict adherence to the rule of medical confidentiality. We cannot provide confidential information without appropriate written authority if you are not the patient in question. Please note there are restrictions on the information that can be released to a third party concerning deceased patients. These restrictions will be explained to you by a member of the team.
At the conclusion of the investigation, your complaint will be discussed with you in detail. If you are still not happy with the outcome and are not satisfied that we have dealt with the matter thoroughly, we will direct you to the appropriate authorities who will be able to help you.
You also have the choice to make your complaint to the Lincolnshire ICB instead of the practice: NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, Complaints and Customer Care Team, Bridge House, The Point, Lions Way, Sleaford NG34 8GG. Or by Telephone: 01522 309299 or by E-mail: LICB.feedbacklincolnshireicb@nhs.net
PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) leaflets are available in each surgery. PALS staff will listen to your concerns and help with your problems quickly on your behalf. PALS can be contacted on 0845 602 4384 or email: LHNT.LincsPALS@nhs.net
You may also wish to contact POhWER, NHS Complaints Advocacy Service for support with your complaint . POhWER provide a free, confidential and independent service to support people with their NHS complaint.
POhWER can be contacted in the following ways: tel: 0300 200 0084 or by email: pohwer@pohwer.net. Their website address is: www.pohwer.net/in-your-area/where-you-live/Lincolnshire
If you remain dissatisfied with the outcome of your complaint, you have the right to contact the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman:
Helpline: 0345 015 4033
Website: www.ombudsman.org.uk.
Any contact with the Ombudsman must be made within 12 months of completion of correspondence with the Practice.
