NHS complaints figures published

The figures show that there has been a decrease of 4% in the number of written complaints about hospital and community health services from 95,047 in 2005-06 to 90,801 in 2006-07. This is the lowest number of complaints since figures peaked in 2000-01. 75% of complaints against hospital and community health services (HCHS) were concluded within the 20 working days time limit. Most complaints were against medical staff (42%), followed by nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff (22%).

The full report is at www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/ nhscomplaints0607