9 Abridged Complaints Procedure – Rulings and Sanctions

9.1 Where the case preparation manager has determined that the abridged complaints procedure will be followed, the case preparation manager will inform the complainant that the company has accepted a breach of the Code and provide details of the undertaking.

9.2 The case preparation manager will draft a case report for publication summarising the allegation, acceptance of the breach by the company and that the company has provided the required undertaking and assurances.

9.3 The Appeal Board receives reports on all complaints which have been considered under the abridged complaints procedure. The Appeal Board cannot impose any additional sanctions on a complaint that has been handled through the abridged procedure. However, in exceptional circumstances, such as patient safety concerns, the Appeal Board may request that the complaint is reassessed through the full complaints procedure.

9.4 There is no right of appeal by either the complainant or the respondent company under the abridged procedure.

9.5 Administrative charges equal to one half of the cost of a complaint going through the full complaints procedure will be payable by the respondent company.