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What Is the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman?
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman looks at complaints about the NHS in England and UK government departments, after you have complained to the organisation. For government departments you go through an MP; for the NHS you contact it directly. Complaints should usually be made within a year.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
The Short Answer
What It Covers
It investigates complaints about the NHS in England, UK government departments and some other public organisations. You must complain to the organisation first. For government departments, make your complaint to an MP within a year of becoming aware of the problem; NHS complaints go directly, within a year. It cannot look at judges, education, local councils, MPs, police or private healthcare that was not NHS-funded, and generally cannot make an organisation pay compensation or replace its decisions. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 1 yearUsual time limitFrom becoming aware of the problem
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 4
Complain to the organisation and finish its process.
Step 2 of 4
For a government department, contact your MP.
Step 3 of 4
For the NHS, contact the Ombudsman directly.
Step 4 of 4
Do it within a year.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
After the organisation's own process.
Your MP
Can refer a complaint about a government department to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- ombudsman.org.uk/making-complaint/what-we-can-and-cant-help Checked 13 October 2026