A report has warned that hospital patients are left so confused by the NHS complaint procedures that many do not bother to speak out at all. Thousands are put off from lodging complaints due to baffling systems and worries that filing a complaint could lead to reprisals against a loved one, according to watchdogs. A … [Read more…]
Can an open complaints culture be achieved within the NHS? Campaigners are still striving for a more open whistleblowing culture for NHS staff, as employees wishing to raise complaints are continually coming up against problems, such as bullying. Despite public inquiries recommending the promotion of whistleblowing, campaigning group Patients’ First believe that a ‘culture of fear’ … [Read more…]
New figures show care complaints are on the rise The Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) have revealed that the number of complaints made about NHS care in England has increased to average 480 every day. The official data showed that a total of 174,872 complaints were made over 2013/14, which is a rise … [Read more…]
Social media blamed for increase in medical complaints A report commissioned by the General Medical Council believes the influence of social media and negative press coverage is encouraging more patients to issue complaints against their doctors. The research team from Plymouth University found that despite no evidence of falling standards within the profession, the number of complaints … [Read more…]
Patients feel ignored by complaints process A new survey reveals that patients are still unhappy with the way in which the NHS deals with complaints, with over half of the believing their complaint had been ignored. The poll of 4,000 people in the UK, undertaken by Populus for consumer group Which?, showed that 43% of … [Read more…]