Watchdog repeatedly told about private NHS medicines courier

Exclusive: Ombudsman has received 18 official requests to examine grievances against Sciensus since August last year

The watchdog responsible for investigating unresolved healthcare complaints has been warned repeatedly for nine months about problems with Sciensus, a private company paid millions to deliver vital medicines to NHS patients, the Guardian can reveal.

The parliamentary and health service ombudsman (PHSO) is charged with reviewing disputes between patients and the NHS or companies providing NHS services in England. Patients have the right to send formal reports to the watchdog if an organisation has acted improperly, provided a poor service or not put things right.