18/09/2012

Complaints About Doctor Professionalism Rose 23% In 2011

Complaints about the professional conduct of doctors reached record levels last year, rising by 23%.

Figures published on Tuesday by the General Medical Council show the number of complaints rose from 7,153 in 2010, to 8,781 in 2011.

The increase continues a steady rise since 2007, and data for the first half of 2012 shows there is no sign of the volume of complaints slowing down, with a further 27% increase registered.

The figures mean one in 64 doctors faced the possibility of being investigated by the regulator after complaints last year.

The GMC said it was taking the rise in complaints seriously and working to find out why they were increasing and to deal more effectively with them.

"We have a degree of humility about this. We have been trying to understand why these numbers are going up," said Niall Dickson, GMC chief executive.

But he added: "More complaints does not necessarily mean worse care."

(H)

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