How do I make a complaint about HSE healthcare in Ireland?
The HSE operates a formal complaints process called Your Service Your Say. You can submit a complaint directly to the relevant HSE service by contacting the Patient Advocacy Officer or the HSE Central Complaints Unit at hse.ie. Complaints should be made within 12 months of the incident. The HSE must respond within 30 working days.
What is HIQA and when should I complain to them about healthcare in Ireland?
HIQA is the Health Information and Quality Authority, which regulates and inspects health and social care services in Ireland. You should contact HIQA at hiqa.ie when you have serious concerns about the quality or safety of care at a regulated service — such as a nursing home, hospital, or residential facility — particularly where systemic failures are involved.
How do I make a complaint against a doctor in Ireland?
Complaints about registered medical practitioners in Ireland are made to the Medical Council at medicalcouncil.ie. The Medical Council has a fitness to practise process and can investigate concerns about a doctor's conduct, health, or competence. A Medical Council complaint is separate from a civil negligence claim and does not result in compensation.
How do I make a complaint against a nurse or midwife in Ireland?
Complaints about registered nurses and midwives in Ireland are made to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) at nmbi.ie. The NMBI has a fitness to practise process similar to the Medical Council. Again, a regulatory complaint does not produce financial compensation — for that you need a civil claim.
How do I make a civil claim for a medical injury in Ireland through PIAB?
The Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) at piab.ie is the mandatory first step for most personal injury claims in Ireland including medical injuries. You must apply to PIAB before issuing court proceedings. You will need supporting medical evidence from an independent expert. PIAB assesses your claim and makes an award which you can accept or reject.
What is the time limit for a medical negligence claim in Ireland?
The Statute of Limitations for personal injury claims in Ireland is two years from the date of injury or from the date you knew or ought to have known you had suffered an injury due to negligence. For claims involving minors the two-year period runs from their 18th birthday. Missing the deadline can permanently extinguish your claim.
What is the open disclosure policy in Irish hospitals?
Under the Health Act 2007 and the national open disclosure framework, healthcare providers in Ireland are required to be open and honest with patients when things go wrong. If you or a family member suffered harm in a healthcare setting you are entitled to be informed, to receive an apology, and to be told what steps are being taken to prevent recurrence.
What is the Medical Injuries Alliance in Ireland?
The Medical Injuries Alliance is an Irish advocacy group that supports people who have suffered harm in the healthcare system. They provide information on your rights and the claims process and can point you towards appropriate resources. They do not provide legal representation but can help you navigate the system in the early stages.
When does a medical negligence case in Ireland require a solicitor?
While initial complaints to the HSE, Medical Council, and NMBI can be made without a solicitor, a civil medical negligence claim is complex and typically requires legal representation. You will need to obtain expert medical opinion, comply with PIAB procedures, and potentially conduct High Court litigation. Most medical negligence solicitors work on a conditional fee or no-win-no-fee basis.
How does uplaw.ai help with a medical complaint in Ireland?
Tell us in the chat what happened, which healthcare provider was involved, and when the incident occurred. We help you understand whether a HSE complaint, a Medical Council referral, or a PIAB application is the right first step, and we help you prepare the documentation for the initial complaint stage.
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