§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria the Health Ombudsman uses in deciding whether to investigate a complaint against a health authority; and what assessment the Ombudsman makes of convenors' reports in making decisions about investigating complaints. [152156]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonThis is a matter for the Health Service Ombudsman.
§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he issues to health authorities on the timescale for dealing with complaints. [152157]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonGuidance on the operation the national health service complaints procedure was issued in March 1996, including details on the performance targets for dealing with complaints. The guidance is available on the Department's website at www. doh.gov.uk/complaints.