Frequently asked questions

Below, you will find situations for which you may be wondering whether or not you can file a complaint. The list is far from exhaustive, nevertheless, in every case, the answer is quite clear: you have the right to express your dissatisfaction regarding services you have received or ought to have received. You also have the right to exercise a recourse if you disagree with the conclusions obtained from a local or regional service quality and complaints commissioner or a medical examiner.

• I noticed an unwarranted degree of familiarity on the part of personnel towards my father who is in an eldercare centre as well as a certain carelessness in their approach to his personal hygiene.
• After my hospitalisation, I was billed for a semi-private room, but I don’t remember having asked for such a room.
• My son, who has mental health problems, was expelled, without warning from a community organization.
• I was receiving household services from the CLSC on a regular basis, but they stopped offering them without any form of notice or explanation and suggested I contact a community organization.
• The paramedics that took my wife to the hospital made rude comments about her obesity while they were taking her out of the house.
• A doctor in the emergency ward sent my elderly mother back home telling her she had a sprain when in fact, later tests showed she actually had a fracture.
• My mother was placed in a private nursing home a few weeks ago. Every time I visit her, she complains that the food is tasteless and often served cold. I’ve also noticed she has lost some weight.
• My daughter’s social worker refuses to discuss her case with me. She claims it would be a breach of confidentiality even though my daughter authorized her to do so on three occasions.
• JI had a car accident and was hospitalized for ten days. The nurse on the night shift was so curt and seemed so annoyed at my requests that I didn’t dare tell her about my pain and need for sedatives.
• Major complications arose after a surgery, which I hoped would improve my condition, not worsen it!
• I filled a complaint with the local service quality and complaints commissioner and I do not agree with her conclusions. Can I appeal to the Health Services Ombudsman?