Healthcare Commission

The Healthcare Commission was set up in 2004 to help improve the quality of people’s health and healthcare.  Part of their role is to regulate certain independent healthcare establishments including independent clinics that provide services such as cosmetic surgery and the use of lasers and lights.

The Commission makes sure that the establishments they regulate operate in accordance with the Care Standards Act (2000) as amended by the Healthcare Act (2003) and that they are compliant with the Private and Voluntary Healthcare (England) Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards for Independent Healthcare.

The Commission inspects establishments regularly, and establishments also assess themselves. They have to meet basis expected levels of service and improvement in regard to:

• patient safety
• clinical cost effectiveness
• governance
• need and preference of patients
• accessible and responsive care
• care environment and amenities

If you are unhappy with the treatment you receive at an establishment, you can make a complaint to the provider of the service.  All establishments must have a complaints procedure in place and must fully investigate any complaints made under that procedure.  In most cases, they should be able to resolve your complaint themselves.

You can contact the Independent Healthcare Advisory Service (IHAS), an independent organisation that provides a negotiation service for complaints against certain establishments providing independent healthcare.  The Healthcare Commission is interested in hearing about any concerns you have abut services, although they have no statutory powers to investigate complaints.

The Commission publishes inspection reports on their website at: www.healthcarecommission.org.uk

You can also contact the Commission at: