You have a right to access safe, quality healthcare and to be treated with respect. Raising your concerns when this doesn't happen protects your rights and can improve the health system for all Victorians.

We resolve complaints about healthcare and the handling of health information in Victoria. We can also investigate matters and review complaints data to help health service providers improve the quality of their service. We act independently and impartially.

The HCC Advisory Council, appointed by the Victorian Minister for Health, acts as an advisory body to the Commissioner. The Council's role is to: Liaise with health service providers and consumers to advise the Commissioner on the development of the Commissioner's practice protocol and complaint handling standards. Provide advice to the Commissioner, on the request of the Commissioner, regarding any function or power of the Commissioner. The Commissioner must not commence an own motion investigation before consulting with the Council President in relation to that investigation. Current...

Karen Cusack was appointed as the inaugural Victorian Health Complaints Commissioner on 1 February 2017. Prior to leading the office of the Health Complaints Commissioner (HCC), Karen was Corporate Counsel of The Royal Women’s Hospital and a member of the hospital’s Executive. She has over 20 years’ experience as a lawyer. She is a member of the Disability Services Board, which advises the Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing on the disability complaints system and provides expertise, guidance and advice to the Disability Services Commissioner. Karen was previously Deputy Chair of the...