Record numbers of complaints have been logged at NHS hospitals and community health services in England over the past two years.
The annual rise in complaints is also the highest since records began 12 years ago, according to the NHS Information Centre.
Separate figures showed a 4.4% rise in annual complaints about GP services and dentistry, to reach 50,755 in 2009/10.
Many people have experienced misdiagnosis, neglect and lack of care from the NHS, the Patients Association said, as figures show a record number of complaints.
According to the NHS Information Centre, written complaints about NHS hospital and community health services in England have seen the biggest year-on-year rise since annual reports began in 1997/98.
From the last financial year to this there was a 13.4% rise, from 89,139 to 101,077 written complaints. The biggest group (44.2%) concerned the medical profession, while the second biggest proportion of complaints concerned nurses, midwives and health visitors (22%).
The largest proportion of complaints (42.2%) was about treatment that patients had received, followed by the attitude of staff (12.2%).
The Patients Association said the rise in complaints was very worrying. It was “reflected in an increase in the number of people contacting our helpline to tell us of problems they are having with NHS services,” said the association’s chief executive, Katherine Murphy.
“On our helpline we hear absolutely appalling stories of neglect, misdiagnosis and a distinct lack of care and compassion. We know many people receive good care, but that doesn’t excuse the poor care received by others. Keep in mind many people want to complain but don’t and these figures will certainly massively underestimate the number of people that actually want to complain. The rise might actually reflect greater awareness of the complaints process.”
The association has called for a fundamental review of the complaints process. “The saddest aspect is that often these complaints don’t actually achieve what most complainants want – an improvement in care,” she said.
I wonder how long we will have NHS dentistry !
try finding dental treatment for someone with a disability in stockport, that isnt discriminatory dismissive and inhuman.
I had been receiving orthodontic treatment through the NHS as an adult due to having a dento facial abnormality. I had jaw surgery to correct my bite (not for appearance sake but for functionality). I thought this had gone well but I was told in July 2010 that it had not and that I could have it done again. I chose to go through this painful op again, but it went wrong and left me with an open bite which had to be corrected again a week later. Recovery pain was awful and was not helped by the surgeon actually asking the orthodontist what could be done to prevent this from happening again? I was still in the room. The orthodontist did not answer and left abruptly. I complained and asked to be moved to another NHS Trust to complete treatment but the hospital were ignorant even though I had logged my concerns with PALS and the chief executive. The have broken a fundamental principle of the NHS Constitution by not listening to me. I did not want to return for more of the same “Treatment”. I took out a loan and have now paid privately. If all dentists/orthodontists/oralsurgeons followed the same standards of care then there would be less complaints about them.
And that bogus dentist listed underneath was the bain of my recovery during my third operation. I was so worried when I came round to staff gossiping that I asked my relatives to check it out to see if it was true when they came to visit.
I must say that overall I am relaly impressed with this particular blog.It is easy to see that you’re passionate about your writing. If perhaps I had your writing ability I look forward to more updates and you will be returning.
Well said!
General dentists only you will help to prneevt any damage and maintain the health of your mouth, while a professional and experienced cosmetic dentist can give you advice and proper treatment to create more brilliant and more white teeth.
It is actually a nice and helpful piece of information. I’m happy that you shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
I make money in my sleep using The Instant Downline forced mairtx recruiting system to build my North American Power business. Better than GDI folks! It is a free system too! Get the details in my channel.