General Medical Council

Patients who complain about the care or treatment they have received have a right to expect a prompt, open, constructive and honest response

In Good Medical Practice,¹ the GMC says, “Patients who complain about the care or treatment they have received have a right to expect a prompt, open, constructive and honest response including an explanation and, if appropriate, an apology.

"You must not allow a patient’s complaint to affect adversely the care or treatment you provide or arrange.”

Doctors who fail to comply with this guidance could face sanctions affecting their registration.