Complaints
Anna Pharmacy is constantly striving to provide the best service possible to its customers. We have a positive attitude to receiving comments, suggestions or complaints from all of our customers and clients.
We use any feedback constructively and are keen to offer people an explanation for any concern they have regarding our website and the services provided.
Anna Pharmacy complaints and comments procedure aims to:
Provide the fullest possible opportunity for investigation and resolution of a complaint, that satisfies the person while being scrupulously fair to staff;
Ensure prompt response and quick resolution of complaints;
Focus on making improvements in service delivery in response to suggestions, compliments and complaints rather than apportioning blame;
Ensure that patients are aware of how to make a suggestion or complaint or pass on a compliment;
Encourage staff and pharmacists to listen and talk with those who have a complaint or compliment.
Roles and Responsibilities
All staff and pharmacists will be prepared to receive complaints and comments from patients and customers and to assist with investigating complaints. In addition, Anna Pharmacy has designated Amit Patel as the Complaints Manager, who has overall responsibility for dealing with complaints.
Patient consent
A complaint may be made by a patient or any person who is affected by or likely to be affected by the action, omission or decision of Anna Pharmacy offerings.
A representative can make the complaint where the affected person has died; is a child; is unable by reason of physical or mental incapacity to make the complaint himself; or has requested the representative to act on his behalf.
We must be sure, when discussing a patient’s treatment with a third party, that the person is authorised to speak on behalf of the patient, so that we do not breach confidentiality. Generally, therefore, we will require evidence of the consent of the patient, unless circumstances are such that the patient cannot give consent (such as a young child, or a person who does not have the mental capacity to give consent).
In the case of a patient or person affected who has died or who is incapable of making the complaint himself, the representative must be a relative or other person who, in the opinion of the complaints manager, had or has a sufficient interest in his welfare and is a suitable person to act as a representative. If the complaints manager is of the opinion that a representative does or did not have a sufficient interest in the person’s welfare or is unsuitable to act as a representative, he must notify that person in writing, stating his reasons.
In the case of a child, the representative must be a parent, guardian or other adult who has care of the child. Where the child is in the care of a local authority or a voluntary organisation, the representative must be a person authorised by the local authority or the voluntary organisation.
Immediate health needs
In all cases we will first try to ensure that the patients immediate health needs are being met before any matters relating to the complaint are tackled.
Timescale for resolving a complaint
In normal circumstances Anna Pharmacy will investigate and respond to a complaint within 25 working days.
Receiving a verbal complaint
Staff will seek to listen to the patients concerns and if they are able, resolve them immediately. Staff will seek to understand the nature of the complaint and any aspects that are not immediately obvious. Complainants will be encouraged to speak openly and freely about their concerns. Staff will listen and accept the complaint. Staff will take note of the person’s complaint and will ask the person to confirm that the note is accurate at the end of the discussion. Staff will then inform the complainant that Anna Pharmacy will aim to investigate and respond within 25 working days. Staff will pass the complaint to the Anna Pharmacy complaints manager to deal with as soon as practicable.
Receiving letters of complaint
These will be passed to the Anna Pharmacy complaints manager.
If the complainant is not the patient, the Anna Pharmacy complaints manager will consider whether it is appropriate to require the consent of the patient in order to investigate the complaint.
Acknowledging a complaint
When a complaint is received orally or in writing, the complaints manager will send an acknowledgement within two working days. The complainant will be advised of how long it will take to investigate and respond. This will normally be within 25 working days. If it takes longer, the patient will be kept informed of progress.
Investigating a complaint
Anna Pharmacy complaints manager will oversee the investigation of a complaint. The complaints manager will make all necessary inquiries such as interviews with the complainant, pharmacists, and members of staff. The complaints manager will keep notes of all relevant interviews using a complaint interview form. If Anna Pharmacy needs to invite the complainant in to discuss the complaint as part of the investigation they will be invited to bring a relative, friend or someone from the Independent Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS), if they want to.
Resolving a complaint
Anna Pharmacy will offer an apology, if appropriate and aim to give the complainant a full explanation. If appropriate the complainant will be invited to meet with Anna Pharmacy to discuss the complaint. Anna Pharmacy will invite them to bring a relative, a friend or someone from the ICAS with them, if they want to.
At the end of the process, Anna Pharmacy will write to the complainant providing an explanation and offering an apology, if appropriate. This letter will advise the complainant that, if they are still not satisfied, they can complain to the Healthcare Commission.
If a complainant cannot be satisfied, Anna Pharmacy will try to identify why and work towards finding a way to resolve the complaint. If a resolution is not possible, Anna Pharmacy will advise the complainant in writing that they may seek assistance from the local ICAS or may make a complaint to the Healthcare Commission.
Time limits for Anna Pharmacy accepting complaints
Anna Pharmacy will investigate complaints made within 6 months of the date on which the subject matter in question regarding the complaint occurred, or within 6 months of the date on which the subject matter in question regarding the complaint became apparent to the complainant. In the event of a complaint being received ‘out of time’ the complaints manager will decide whether it is still possible to investigate thoroughly. If the decision is made that a complaint will not be investigated because it is out of time the complaints manager will write to the complainant informing them of this and explaining why the decision has been made. In cases of complaints concerning Anna Pharmacy and another NHS body, Anna Pharmacy will seek to investigate and resolve these complaints in conjunction with the other body in question. Anna Pharmacy will get the complainant’s permission to liaise with the other body before proceeding. If the complaint is solely about another body, Anna Pharmacy will get the patient’s permission to pass the complaint on to that body.
Monitoring complaints
The complaints procedure is about giving explanations and making improvements. If, as a result of a complaint, it is necessary to discipline a member of staff, the disciplinary procedure will be used.