Complaints Procedure
1. Purpose
I am committed to providing safe, high-quality aviation medical services in a private clinic setting. I value feedback and take complaints seriously. This policy explains how you can raise concerns and how they will be handled.
2. What is a Complaint?
A complaint is any expression of dissatisfaction about the service, care, or conduct you have received from me. This could include:
- Clinical care concerns
- Delays or cancellations
- Communication or administrative issues
3. How to Make a Complaint
Informal Resolution
If possible, please raise your concern with me directly, as soon as it occurs. Many issues can be resolved quickly this way.
- Email: complaints@winchester-ame.com
- Include relevant details: date, type of concern, any supporting information
- I will acknowledge your message within 2 working days and work with you to resolve the matter
Formal Complaint
If informal resolution is not satisfactory, you may submit a formal complaint:
Email or post:
Winchester Aviation Medicine
Circle Health Group
Sarum Road
Winchester
SO22 5HA
Email: complaints@winchester-ame.com
- Include your name, contact details, dates of incident, and details of the complaint
- Acknowledgement within 2 working days; resolution usually within 20 working days
4. Independent Investigation
Because I am the sole provider, I do not investigate complaints about myself or my service.
- Complaints about my service are referred to the Executive Director of Circle Health Group, Sarum Road Hospital, who will appoint an independent investigator.
- The investigator may be:
- Another qualified clinician within Circle Health Group with no prior involvement
- An external independent reviewer if required
The investigator will review the complaint and provide a written report. I will then work with you to address any recommendations or actions.
5. Complaints About Certification Decisions
- If your complaint relates to a medical certification decision, you are entitled to a secondary review through the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
- I will support you in submitting this request.
- Full procedure details: CAA Secondary Review Procedure
6. Escalation
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the independent investigation, you may escalate to:
- Circle Health Group Central Complaints Procedure
- Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for certification-related concerns
- General Medical Council (GMC) for clinical conduct concerns
7. Confidentiality
- All complaints are treated confidentially
- Information is shared only with those involved in the investigation or required by law or regulatory bodies
8. Patient Rights
- You may accept or decline any proposed resolution
- You may request updates on the progress of your complaint
- You can request a chaperone or advocate during discussions if needed
9. Monitoring and Review
- Complaints are monitored for patterns and opportunities to improve the service
- Policy is reviewed annually or sooner if guidance changes
10. Contact
- Email: complaints@winchester-ame.com
- Circle Health Group Complaints: https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/contact-us/making-a-complaint
- CAA Secondary Review: https://www.caa.co.uk/media/terk0gi1/20240220-secondary-review-procedure.pdf
