Government · Complaint & ombud
Health Ombudsman Contact Details
All complaint & ombud routesCheck this is the right body
To complain to the Health Ombud, call the toll-free complaints line on 080 911 6472, SMS 48090, email complaints@healthombud.org.za, or send a WhatsApp message to the complaints call centre on 060 012 3456. General enquiries go to 012 942 7700. Complaints may also be lodged anonymously.
Health Ombudsman contact details at a glance
| Route | Details |
|---|---|
| Complaints, toll-free | 080 911 6472 |
| General enquiries | 012 942 7700 |
| SMS line for complaints | 48090 |
| Complaints call centre WhatsApp line | 060 012 3456 |
| Complaints email | complaints@healthombud.org.za |
| Communication and media enquiries | communication@healthombud.org.za |
| Fraud and Ethics Hotline, toll-free | 080 000 3231, email office@thehotline.co.za, SMS 30916 |
| Office hours | 08:00 to 17:00 |
The Fraud and Ethics Hotline is a separate reporting line run for the office and is not the route for a complaint about clinical care. Use 080 911 6472 or the complaints mailbox for care complaints.
How to complain to the Health Ombudsman
Lodge the complaint with the health establishment first, verbally or in writing. Facilities are expected to follow the complaints management guidelines in resolving it. If the facility does not resolve it, escalate to the Health Ombud on 080 911 6472, by SMS to 48090, by email to complaints@healthombud.org.za, or on the WhatsApp line 060 012 3456. Lodge within two years of the date of the incident.
Choose the named or the anonymous complaint form. The named form asks for details of the complainant, the patient and incident, the health establishment, and whether the complaint was first lodged with the facility. Whistleblowers are guaranteed anonymity, and a complaint may be lodged anonymously by any member of the public, a healthcare user, or someone acting on behalf of a relative, a minor or another member of the public.
Investigation length depends on the severity and complexity of the complaint. Complainants are updated on progress at regular intervals.
What the Health Ombud investigates
The Health Ombud investigates unresolved complaints about the quality of care received at public and private health establishments in South Africa. The office sits within the Office of Health Standards Compliance and its staff use ohsc.org.za mailboxes, but complaints are lodged through the Health Ombud channels above. The complaints it accepts, at both public and private hospitals and clinics, are:
- Inappropriate medical treatment
- Unprofessional behaviour or conduct by healthcare professionals or personnel
- Unsafe or inappropriate conditions at a healthcare facility
- Provision of poor-quality healthcare services
Where the Health Ombud office is and its hours
The office is at 7 Eco-Glades Office Park 1, Block B, 70 Ribbon Grass Street, Highveld, Centurion, Pretoria, and answers 012 942 7700 from 08:00 to 17:00.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Health Ombudsman contact number?
The toll-free complaints line is 080 911 6472, and general enquiries go to 012 942 7700 between 08:00 and 17:00.
How do I complain to the Health Ombudsman?
Complain to the hospital or clinic first. If it does not resolve the matter, contact the Health Ombud on 080 911 6472, by SMS to 48090, by email to complaints@healthombud.org.za, or on the WhatsApp line 060 012 3456, within two years of the incident.
What is the Health Ombudsman email address?
complaints@healthombud.org.za for complaints and communication@healthombud.org.za for communication and media enquiries.
Can I complain to the Health Ombud anonymously?
Yes. A complaint may be lodged anonymously, and whistleblowers are guaranteed anonymity. The named complaint form asks for details of the complainant, the patient, the incident and the health establishment.
Where is the Health Ombudsman office?
At 7 Eco-Glades Office Park 1, Block B, 70 Ribbon Grass Street, Highveld, Centurion, Pretoria.
Sources
- healthombud.org.za/contact-us/ (contact channels, address, hours)
- healthombud.org.za/submit-a-complaint/ (scope, who may complain, time limit, process)