Begin with the event and your role
Record the date, approximate time, hospital area and whether you witnessed the event or learned about it later. Describe actions and words you remember without guessing motives. If a time is approximate, label it as such. A calm factual account can still describe serious harm; it does not need dramatic language to justify review.
Separate action taken from outcome
List who was informed, any complaint reference available and the support already requested. Distinguish a complaint submitted from an investigation completed, and a proposed action from one that happened. Do not upload unrelated patient records or publish identifying allegations in a public comment. Keep original evidence in the institution’s authorised process and record where it is held.
Use the right channel
The site’s Inform us form is for private review of past incidents. It does not replace urgent police assistance, medical care or a formal legal complaint. Explain the help wanted now, such as a follow-up discussion or contact with an appropriate adviser. Retain the submission reference and use it for corrections instead of sending multiple inconsistent accounts.
Before submitting
Could someone unfamiliar with the event distinguish what you personally observed from what another person told you?
Further reading
- 2016 report · Steps to prevent violence in healthcare workplaces ↗American Medical Association · Source checked 2026-09-10
Source dates and country context matter. Read our editorial approach.