What is the primary purpose of the Health Ombudsman?

The primary purpose of the Health Ombudsman is to protect the public. This role is essential in maintaining the integrity and safety of health care services. The Health Ombudsman serves as a regulatory body that investigates complaints against health service providers and ensures that they meet the required standards of care. By doing so, the Ombudsman helps to prevent harm to patients and improves the overall quality of health care.

In this context, public protection encompasses overseeing the practices of health professionals, ensuring accountability, and addressing any issues that may arise in the delivery of health care services. The focus is on safeguarding patient welfare, rather than punishing individuals, providing compensation, or conducting therapeutic procedures. The Health Ombudsman acts as an advocate for patients, ensuring they have a voice in the health care system and are treated fairly and with respect.