Patient Ombudsman is happy to listen and provide informal advice about any complaint related to a health sector organization. If you don’t know where to start, please call us. We may be able to help.
In order to open a formal complaint file, we must receive a summary of your complaint in writing. The easiest way to submit a written complaint is through the form on our website (www.patientombudsman.ca), but a letter, fax or e-mail will work as well. If writing is hard for you, we can always make arrangements to record and transcribe your complaint, or you can visit our office in person.
When you come to us, we will ask you if you have attempted to resolve your complaint directly with your care provider. If you haven’t -- you will be asked to try this first. We hope to hear from you if you have tried to resolve your complaint and are unsatisfied with the official response.
Your complaint also has to be in our jurisdiction. Patient Ombudsman has jurisdiction over Ontario’s public hospitals, long-term care homes, and home and community care coordinated by the Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs), including placement in long-term care homes.
Patient Ombudsman can’t resolve complaints that are:
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About a regulated healthcare professional,
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About a private retirement home, or
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Are the subject of court or other proceedings.
It’s okay if you are uncertain if Patient Ombudsman is the right place for your complaint. Our early resolution specialists can help you get to the right place if a complaint it outside of Patient Ombudsman’s mandate.