Hundreds complain about Shropshire GPs and dentists
Problems with medical treatment, staff attitudes and administration were among the top reasons for complaints about Shropshire's GPs and dentists in the past year, new figures have revealed.
Hundreds of people complained about family health services in 2011/12. Figures from the Shropshire County Primary Care Trust showed a total of 237 complaints were made about the county's GP practices in that period.
Clinical complaints were cited the most times, with 85 cases reported.
There were 62 complaints related to problems with adminstration, and a further 40 in connection with issues related to staff attitude and communications.
There were also 27 complaints about dental practices in Shropshire.
Meanwhile in Telford & Wrekin, 55 complaints were made about the borough's GP practices last year.
As with Shropshire, the main cause for complaints was concern from patients about clinical treatment.
This was the reason cited in 49 of the cases.
Communication and attitude problems were cited in 15 complaints, and 36 others related to administration.
But there was also some positive news across the county. In the wider Shropshire area, a total of 139 compliments were received on treatment patients had been given, with 34 compliments also passed on to the PCT in Telford & Wrekin.
A spokesman for Shropshire County Primary Care Trust said: "We listen to all complaints and ensure that any comments from patients are fed back into the NHS, to learn from them and to avoid a recurrence.
"We also recognise that many patients do not want to make a complaint but would like their concerns addressed; for this reason we offer a Patient Advice and Liaison Service, which can help signpost patients to the information they need or resolve their concerns."
For details visit www.shropshire.nhs.uk
By Chris Burn
