Introduction
Registered chiropractors in the UK must meet the standards set out in the GCC’s Code of Professional Practice. This ensures that they are fit to practise and provide safe, high-quality care in the best interests of patients.
If a concern is raised about a chiropractor’s skills or behaviour, we can take steps to promote learning or restrict practice to make sure chiropractors meet the standards required to practise safely and to maintain the reputation of the chiropractic profession.
On this page, you will find:
- A step-by-step guide to help you raise a concern with your chiropractor
- An online tool to help you find the organisation that can assist you with your concern
Concerns and Complaints
We find that a lack of communication between a chiropractor and a patient can lead to misunderstandings. Concerns and complaints often stem from a breakdown in communication. It is therefore very important for a chiropractor to explain the proposed treatment, costs and any other relevant information so that you, as the patient, have a clear understanding of the situation. This is one of the reasons why the Code of Professional Practice highlights the importance of effective communication with patients.
Raising a concern about a chiropractor can be stressful for all parties. It is helpful to think carefully about the concerns you have and whether they can be resolved. If you do decide to make a complaint, consider the outcome you are seeking and how best to go about it.
We recommend that you follow the steps below:
1
If you have a concern about your care, the first step is to discuss it with your chiropractor. Raising the concern with your chiropractor gives them the opportunity to consider what you are saying and to respond. It may also be an opportunity to clarify matters and build trust between you. A chiropractor will normally be able to provide the information you need.
2
If your chiropractor is unable to resolve your concern, or if you do not wish to approach them directly, there may be a manager or another colleague at the clinic whom you can contact. Sometimes concerns can be resolved in this way.
3
If you remain concerned and wish to make a formal complaint, ask for the practice’s complaints procedure so that you can consider making a formal complaint.
Find support for your concern
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from your chiropractor, or if you do not feel comfortable approaching your chiropractor, there are organisations, including the GCC, that can provide support.
There are different types of concerns that someone may have about a chiropractor, and we want to help find the organisation that is best placed to consider your concern. We understand every complaint is different, so this list may not exactly match your concern.
The GCC’s Code of Professional Practice sets out the high standards that registered chiropractors must uphold at all times. This includes being transparent and honest with patients.
This means when you are paying for chiropractor treatment a chiropractor must:
- Provide a clinical plan of care separately and independently from any financial payment plan.
- Provide a clear contract for any financial payment plan and include arrangements for refunds for unused care.
- Not offer a financial payment plan that extends beyond the initial clinical plan of care.
- Not pressure a patient to commit financially to long-term treatment.
The GCC cannot force a chiropractor to pay money back, and we cannot award refunds or compensation.
For this reason, we suggest you contact the Citizens Advice Bureau consumer service for advice.
Citizens Advice BureauIf something has gone wrong with a patient’s care, including if a chiropractor has caused an injury, or there is a risk they could cause an injury, the Code of Professional Practice requires a chiropractor to be open and honest with the patient.
This means telling a patient when something has gone wrong with their care that has caused, or could cause, harm or distress, and providing an apology, appropriate support or remedy, along with an explanation of what will happen next.
There are two organisations that can help when a chiropractor has injured a patient.
Action Against Medical Accidents is a charity that can advise patients who have been injured.
Action Against Medical Accidents
The GCC protects the health and safety of the public by ensuring high standards of practice in the chiropractic profession. This means we take concerns about an individual chiropractor’s fitness to practise very seriously.
We can investigate if a patient is injured as a result of an unacceptable low standard of treatment, care or advice provided by a registered chiropractor. A low standard of care would indicate a lack of knowledge, skill, or judgement that shows they are not able to practise safely and effectively. Unless it is exceptionally serious, a single incident would not usually indicate general professional incompetence.
Raise a concern with the GCCRegistered chiropractors must maintain the highest standards of professional and personal conduct at all times. The GCC takes concerns about an individual chiropractor’s behaviour very seriously, and we can investigate if a chiropractor’s professional or personal behavior or conduct does not meet the expectations set out in the Code of Professional Practice.
The GCC can help if you have a concern relating to the physical or mental health of a registered chiropractor that is not being well managed and could result in harm to a patient, or undermine the public’s confidence and trust in the chiropractic profession.
The Code also requires chiropractors to promptly inform the GCC if they are charged or convicted of a criminal offence;
Raise a concern with the GCCIt is a legal requirement for all practising chiropractors to be registered with the GCC. You can check whether a chiropractor is registered with the GCC here.
The GCC can help if you have a concern about a chiropractor who is calling themselves a chiropractor but is not registered with us.
Raise a concern with the GCCThe Code of Professional Practice requires all registered chiropractors to act with honesty and integrity. This means being transparent and accountable when advertising or promoting chiropractic services and ensuring that all information about their service is factual, verifiable and is not misleading.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) works to make sure all advertising is legal, decent, honest, and truthful. If you are concerned that a chiropractor is making inaccurate statements on their website or in their advertising, the ASA is the right organisation to investigate your concern.
Advertising Standards AuthorityThe GCC cannot resolve business disputes or complaints about employment, contracts or business premises.
We suggest you contact a solicitor for advice and support or speak to a professional body representing chiropractors such as the British Association of Chiropractors or the Royal College of Chiropractors.
Organisations such as Citizens Advice also provide information and support to help resolve employment or business disputes.
Citizens Advice BureauThe GCC cannot resolve general complaints about how a clinic or company is being run.
We suggest you contact a solicitor for advice and support or get in touch with Citizens Advice.
Citizens Advice BureauChiropractors are responsible for the personal information they collect and hold on their patients. They must fulfil their duties as set out in the Data Protection Act.
If you have a concern about how a chiropractor is using or storing your personal information, we suggest you contact the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Information Commissioner’s OfficeHow to get further advice
If you need more information about the complaints process or require assistance to complete the Raise your concern form, please contact us at investigation@gcc-uk.org or telephone 020 7713 5155.
