"At HaDSCO we adopt a positive approach to complaint handling as we recognise the inherent value of complaints in terms of opportunities for improvement across the health, disability and mental health sectors."
The Health and Disability Services Complaints Office (HaDSCO) functions as an Office in the Performance Management Framework to achieve our outcomes in the context of the wider government goal of Strong Communities: Safe Communities and Supported families. Find out more about our Strategic Plan and governing Legislation.
HaDSCO's Director is Sarah Cowie, who has held this role since 2016.
Our responsible Minister is the Honourable Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA, Minister for Health; Mental Health.
HaDSCO's main functions are to:
- Deal with complaints by negotiated settlement, conciliation or investigation.
- Review and identify the causes of complaints.
- Provide advice and make recommendations for service improvement.
- Educate the community and service providers about complaint handling.
- Inquire into broader issues of health, disability and mental health services arising from complaints received.
- Work in collaboration with the community and service providers to improve health, disability and mental health services.
- Publish the work of the Office.
- Perform any other function conferred on the Director by the Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Act 1995 or another written law.