- Can I let you know of a complaint over the phone?
- No - all complaints must be in writing. If it’s a matter of urgency, fax it to us on headed paper (fax number 01-6398595). Please refer to the ‘ How to make a complaint’ section of this page.
- Can somone from An Bord Altranais come and speak to me about my complaint?
It would not normally be possible for a staff member to visit you to discuss your complaint, but the staff in the Fitness to Practise department are available to discuss aspects of your complaint on the telephone, or by letter to:
The Registrar
An Bord Altranais
18/20 Carysfort Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.
Tel: 01 6398500
- If I'm not happy about the way my relative was treated by the local hospital, can I complain to you?
- An Bord Altranais can only consider specific complaints about individual nurses or midwives, but not complaints about general ward care or hospital procedures. These should be addressed to the Hospital Management.
- If I make a complaint about a nurse or midwife, will I have to attend a hearing?
If you witnessed any of the matters you are reporting then you may be asked to give evidence as a witness at a Fitness to Practise hearing. Hearings are usually held at An Bord Altranais offices in Dublin but they are also held at regional centres throughout the country if necessary. Prior to hearings, An Bord Altranais solicitors interview witnesses so a witness statement can be prepared. If you make a statement you must be prepared to provide sworn oral testimony.
- My employer has not reported someone to An Bord Altranais and I feel they should have done so. Can I report them?
Yes. Anyone can make a complaint to An Bord Altranais. However, in most circumstances it is advisable to discuss your concerns with your employer first. Employers do not have to report everyone whom they've disciplined. Many matters can and should be dealt with locally. A consideration should always be given to whether or not someone is a risk to the public if they continue to practise. If you feel one of your colleagues does pose a risk then a report to An Bord Altranais should be made.
- Can I make an anonymous complaint about e.g. my manager?
Unfortunately we cannot take anonymous complaints because we need to tell the nurse/midwife who made the complaint against them and you will be required to provide evidence of the compaint.
- Advice for Employers - We've just dismissed a nurse, but she wishes to appeal. Should we wait until that's finished before we report it to An Bord Altranais?
No. If the nurse’s/midwife’s fitness to practise is in question the matter should be reported to An Bord Altranais as soon as possible, providing the name and PIN of the nurse/midwife.
- Advice for nurses/midwives subject to a complaint - If I suspect that a complaint has been made against me, can I check with An Bord Altranais?
A member of staff in the Fitness to Practise department of An Bord Altranais can advise you whether a complaint has been registered. If the answer is No, this might be due to a delay in the complaint being received by An Bord Altranais, but as soon as a complaint is received you will be notified and asked for your response to the complaint.