There are no recommended time limits on how long you may have to wait to have your complaint dealt with. However, a recent review of NHS complaints procedures recommended that you should be sent an acknowledgement of your complaint within two working days and that the investigation should be completed within three weeks. Please note that these procedures do not apply to private hospitals. In making a complaint to the GMC, you will probably have to swear an official declaration to support the complaint. When the GMC receives a complaint, it can make a formal inquiry, send the doctor a warning letter, refer the complaint to the Health Committee of the GMC if it appears that the doctor's fitness to practice is impaired by a physical or mental condition, or it can take no action.
Sanctions range from a warning to striking off.
Please note that the GMC does not take action on a complaint unless the conduct of the doctor has been shown to be grossly improper.