What is a complaint?

You may make a complaint to the Chief Psychiatrist if you are of the view that you received mental health care that does not meet your expectations. This includes matters that pertain to your rights under the Mental Health Act 1996.

Who can complain?

You may make the complaint yourself or a relative, carer, advocate, or provider with your permission may make the complaint.

How will making a complaint help me?

Whilst the overall purpose of complaint management is to improve the standard of mental health care and services to all health consumers, in the first instance your experience and grievance is of paramount interest. We will obtain clarification from the provider's perspective about the matter and advise you of this. If appropriate we will make suggestions to the provider as to how they can improve service delivery to you.

How can I make a complaint about my mental health care?

Complaints can be made in writing, by telephone or by fax.

Contact: Manager, Office of the Chief Psychiatrist
Phone: (08) 9222 4462
FAX: (08) 9222 4244

In writing to: Dr Rowan Davidson, Chief Psychiatrist, 189 Royal Street EAST PERTH WA 6004

Who can help me make a complaint?

Health Consumers Council WA (Inc)

The Health Consumers' Council is an independent community based organisation, representing the consumers' 'voice' in health policy, planning, research and service delivery. The Council advocates on behalf of consumers to government, doctors, other health professionals, hospitals and the wider health system.

Telephone: (08) 9221 3422
Freecall: 1800 620 780
Facsimile: (08) 9221 5435
Email: info@hc c-wa.asn.au

Other Avenues of Making a Complaint about Mental Health Care

Office of Health Review

The Office of Health Review is a State Government body that provides a readily accessible means of having complaints about health and disability services reviewed, conciliated and dealt with impartially and in confidence.

Phone: (08) 9323 0600
Facsimile: (08) 9221 3675
Country Free Call : 1800 813 583