September 28th, 2023
International Ombuds Day
Did you know that October 12, 2023, is International Ombuds Day – a day to mark an important but little-known profession that is focused on fairness?
What is an ombuds?
An ombudsman (ombuds or ombudsperson) helps resolve complaints and identifies issues in an independent, impartial and confidential manner. Ombuds offices have a mandate to ensure people are treated fairly by public bodies; to promote fairness and accountability in public administration; and to provide independent and impartial oversight of public services.
Patient Ombudsman is a health ombuds that can help resolve complaints about experiences in Ontario’s public hospitals, long-term care homes, and defined home care services.
To fulfil our mandate, Patient Ombudsman upholds the principles of an ombudsman office as set out in the Statement of Ethical Principles of the Forum of Canadian Ombudsman and the Venice Principles, an internationally accepted set of standards that set out the fundamental principles essential establishing an independent and impartial ombudsman institution.
How can an ombuds help?
If you’ve had a negative health care experience, we’ll work with you to help you understand Patient Ombudsman’s complaint process and how we might be able to help.
As an office of last resort, Patient Ombudsman can only review complaints after the organization involved has had a chance to resolve your concern. If their response or resolution was not satisfying, that’s where we can step in.
Current or former patients, long-term care residents or their caregivers can make a complaint using our online form, or can submit a complaint in writing by mail by using our printable complaint form. If you have any questions, contact us at 416.597.0339 or toll free: 1.888.321.0339.