We constantly strive to improve services for you. We deliver front-line NHS services, giving first-rate care through our first-rate people and first-rate value. We welcome and value your views and comments about the services we provide.
About First Community
First Community provides front-line NHS community healthcare services in east Surrey and parts of West Sussex. We strive to deliver the best patient care but understand that we may not always get things right and when we don’t we would like to hear from you.
Your comments can help us to improve our services. We believe that if a mistake or error has been made, the patient, relative or carer should:
- Receive an apology
- Be told what happened and why it happened
- Have their questions answered
- Know what is being done as a result
No one will be discriminated against because they have made a complaint.
How to make a complaint
If you are unhappy with the treatment or service you have received from First Community you are entitled to make a complaint, have it investigated and receive a response from the organisation.
If you need independent confidential advice or assistance to make your complaint, you may wish to talk to the NHS Complaints Advocacy Service which is supported by your local Healthwatch. Details included below.
Who can complain?
Anyone using our services can complain.
A complaint can be made by a patient or person affected or likely to be affected by the actions or decisions of First Community.
A complaint can also be made by someone acting on behalf of the patient or person, with their consent.
What is the time limit for making a complaint?
You should normally complain within 12 months of the event concerned or 6 months of becoming aware of the reason for your complaint.
First Community has discretion to waive this time limit if there are good reasons why you could not complain earlier.
Who should you complain to initially?
We aim to resolve complaints quickly and thoroughly. Where possible, please raise your concerns immediately by speaking to a member of staff. They may be able to help you resolve your issue without the need for a formal complaint.
Local resolution aims to resolve complaints as quickly as possible using the most appropriate means; for example conciliation, or a face-to-face meeting.
However, if you do want to continue with your complaint, please do so by telephoning or writing to the address below.
Chief Executive, First Community Health and Care, Orchard House, Unit 8A Orchard Business Centre, Bonehurst Road, Salfords, Redhill, RH1 5EL
Telephone: 01737 775450
You can also contact us less formally by using the Contact Us form on our website: https://www.firstcommunityhealthcare.co.uk/contact-us
In accordance with our complaints procedure we will:
- Acknowledge receipt of your complaint within two working days
- Investigate your complaint thoroughly
- Meet with you if this is the best way to resolve the problem
- Send you a written response from the Chief Executive within 25 working days of receipt of your complaint
- Let you know if the investigation is taking longer than expected
- Apologise if appropriate and advise you of any action taken to put right any shortcomings that have been identified as a result of your complaint.
If you are unhappy with the response
A meeting may be arranged with staff or possibly an independent conciliator to try and resolve the matter.
If you are not happy with our answer after we have looked into your complaint, you can ask the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman to look at your complaint. Contact details are shown below.
Compliments
We are always pleased to receive positive feedback about your experiences of our services. Please visit: https://www.firstcommunityhealthcare.co.uk/involvement-feedback
You can also contact the service directly or write to our Chief Executive at the address below and your compliments will be passed on to the relevant staff.
Useful contacts
Healthwatch
An independent organisation that gives people in Surrey a voice to improve services and help them in getting the best out of health and social care services.
Surrey
Tel: 0300 303 0023
Text: 07952 787533
Email: enquiries@healthwatchsurrey.co.uk Web: www.healthwatchsurrey.co.uk
West Sussex
Tel: 0300 012 0122
Email: helpdesk@healthwatchwestsussex.co.uk Web: www.healthwatchwestsussex.co.uk
NHS Complaints Advocacy
Provides support if you are making a complaint. The service is confidential and independent of the NHS.
Tel: 0300 303 1660
Email: helpline@voiceability.org Web: www.voiceability.org
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Monitors, inspects and regulates health and social care services in England to ensure they are meeting national standards.
Tel: 03000 616161
Email: enquiries@cqc.org.uk Web: www.cqc.org.uk
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
Makes final decisions on complaints that have not been resolved by the NHS and other public organisations.
Tel: 0345 015 4033
Web: www.ombudsman.org.uk
The Patients Association
An independent charity, `listening to patients and speaking up for change’. Helpline: 0800 345 7115
Email: helpline@patients-association.org.uk Web: www.patients-association.org.uk
First Community provides front-line NHS community healthcare services in east Surrey and parts of West Sussex.
We provide first-rate care, through our first-rate people, offering first-rate value. For more information visit: www.firstcommunityhealthcare.co.uk
If you would like this information in another format, for example large print or easy read, or if you need help communicating with us:
First Community (Head Office)
Call: 01737 775450 Email: fchc.enquiries@nhs.net Text: 07814 639034
Address: First Community Health and Care, Orchard House, Unit 8a, Orchard Business Centre, Bonehurst Road, Redhill RH1 5EL
- Twitter: @1stchatter
- Facebook: @firstcommunityhcNHS
- Instagram: firstcommunityhealthandcare
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/first-community-health-&-care-c-i-c-/
- TikTok: www.tiktok.com/discover/first-community-health-and-care
To print this page, please select accessibility tools and the print this page icon.
For office use only: Version 5 PFD_PSQ001 Publication date: May 2025