The process for making a complaint about NHS primary care services has changed

Primary care services are generally the health services that you receive outside of hospital; these include GP practices, dentists, opticians and pharmacy services.

Everyone has the right to make a complaint about any aspect of NHS care, treatment or service, and this is written into the NHS Constitution.

We at Healthwatch Rutland would always encourage you to raise your concerns directly with the primary care provider in the first instance, as this may lead to a quicker resolution. However, you also have the option to complain to the commissioner of the service. Until now, this was NHS England, but from 1 July, most primary care services are now commissioned by the local integrated care board (ICB). Patients in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) should therefore direct any complaints about primary care services to the LLR ICB.