SCHEDULE 3OTHER CONTRACTUAL TERMS

PART 6COMPLAINTS

Complaints procedure47

1

F1As regards complaints relating to any matter reasonably connected with the provision of services under the agreement which are received before 1st April 2009, the contractor shall operate a complaints procedure which shall comply—

a

subject to sub-paragraph (b), with the requirements of paragraphs 48 to 50 and 52; or

b

in the case where the contractor is a Primary Care Trust, with any directions made under section 17 of the Act.

2

The contractor shall take reasonable steps to ensure that patients are aware of—

a

the complaints procedure;

b

the role of the Relevant Body and other bodies in relation to complaints about services under the agreement; and

c

their right to assistance with any complaint from independent advocacy services provided under section 19A of the Act M1 (independent advocacy services).

3

The contractor shall take reasonable steps to ensure that the complaints procedure is accessible to all patients.