10 Complaints: time limits and procedureS
(1)The Ombudsman must not consider a complaint made more than 12 months after the day on which the person aggrieved first had notice of the matter complained of, unless the Ombudsman is satisfied that there are special circumstances which make it appropriate to consider a complaint made outwith that period.
(2)The Ombudsman must not consider a complaint if—
(a)the matter complained of consists of such failure or other action as is mentioned in section 5(1)(b) to (d) taken by or on behalf of a person who was, at the time of the action, a family health service provider or an independent provider but who has since ceased to be such a provider, and
(b)the complaint is made more than 3 years after the last day on which the person was such a provider.
(3)A complaint must be made in writing or electronically unless the Ombudsman is satisfied that there are special circumstances which make it appropriate to consider a complaint made orally.
(4)It is for the Ombudsman to determine whether a complaint has been duly made.