What is the Health and Social Services Ombudsman?
The Ombudsman is mandated to safeguard the rights, interests and legal protection of persons receiving health and care services, and to contribute to improving the quality of the services provided.
If you are dissatisfied with the healthcare or social services you have received, or you believe you have not received the services you are entitled to, you should contact the Health and Social Services Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman focuses on issues within the public healthcare and social services, including dental health.
What can you get help with?
The Ombudsman can help answer your questions about health services and provide advice and guidance concerning your rights as a patient.
The Ombudsman can help you with issues such as:
- Providing information about your rights as a patient
- Making information clearer and more accessible
- Determine the best place to start in order to resolve your issue
- Determine who you should contact
- Clarify and submit inquiries, feedback and complaints on your behalf
- Provide advice on submitting complaints about treatments you have received or appeals against a decision regarding your right to receive helthcare and social services
- Accompany you to meetings with representatives from the healthcare provider
- Provide advice on claiming compensation
Who can get help?
Everyone can contact the Ombudsman, and the service is free of charge. A referral is not required. The Ombudsman has a duty of confidentiality, and you may remain anonymous if you wish.
If you are unsure of whether you qualify for help from the Ombudsman, you are welcome to contact us to discuss your case.
Find your local Ombudsman
The Health and Social Services Ombudsman has 15 branches across Norway. A local Ombudsman is in charge of each office. Call 40 50 16 00, or consult the list of different office locations with their contact details on the Ombudsman website (in Norwegian).