State Establishes New Centralized Hotline To Track Patient Care Complaints At Hospitals, Clinics And Treatment Centers

State Senator George Onorato (D-Queens) today announced that the State Health Department has initiated a new statewide hotline to help ensure quality care for patients in hospitals and other medical facilities throughout New York.

"By establishing this centralized hotline, the state is making it easier for patients and their advocates to voice their complaints when they are unhappy with the care they receive in licensed hospitals, community clinics and treatment and diagnostic centers in New York," said Senator Onorato. "While many of our medical facilities provide exceptional care for their patients, it is still important for medical consumers to be able to point out inadequacies that may jeopardize their health."

The new toll-free hotline, which can be reached by calling 1-800-804-5447, is staffed by registered nurses who will document and assess complaint information and assign the complaint for investigation by State Department of Health inspectors. While calls will be monitored for quality assurance, the identity of callers will remain confidential as part of any state investigation into the care a patient receives in a licensed health care facility.

"This hotline, which is staffed by medical professionals, will provide another important tool for consumers to take charge of their own health care," said Senator Onorato, a member of the State Senate Standing Committee on Health. "Furthermore, if serious health care violations are brought to the attention of inspectors, this hotline may play a role in saving people’s lives."