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Writing a letter of complaint

Writing a letter can be an effective way of raising your complaint if you are not sure who is the best person to talk to or if you believe the organisation has to investigate what has happened. Letters can be emailed, faxed or sent by post.

The letter should cover the following areas:

• Who you are and where you live.
• Tell the story, but be brief. Cover all the facts of what happened, where, when and who was involved.
• Say how what has happened has affected you and how you are feeling as a result.
• Ask questions if you need to have other information.
• Say what you would like to happen as a result of the letter.

You may like to send a copy to your support person or someone else. For example, if you are unhappy with your hospital or disability respite care, you may want to copy the letter to your GP. If you are complaining about an individual health professional, you may want to send a copy to their professional body.

Often a letter is followed by a meeting to resolve the issues.

Click here for an easy-to-use complaint form.