Six in ten medical gripes against GPs

PATIENT dissatisfaction with the family doctor accounted for almost six in 10 complaints to the Medical Council in 2008.

Of the 345 doctors complained, 23 were complained more than once, and of that 23, three were the subject of an inquiry.

Overall, the statistics show that:

n318 complaints were made, some concerning more than one doctor and included allegations against GPs, hospital consultants and junior hospital doctors.

* Eight doctors were found guilty of professional misconduct.

* Three had their names erased from the medical register and another was suspended.

* Seven had conditions attached to their future practice.

* Four were admonished, advised or censured.

The largest number of complaints related to professional standards, followed by treatment received and doctors’ ability to communicate.

Allegations of alcohol and drug abuse by doctors and of irresponsible prescribing accounted for 22 complaints.

Failure to supply medical records was behind 14 complaints; another four related to allegations that the doctor had a conviction and one related to a claim that a doctor suffered from either a physical or mental disability.

The Medical Council decided there was cause for an inquiry in relation to 29 complaints. Of the inquiries held in 2008, 23 were completed and three adjourned.

Of those where there was no prima facie case to hold an inquiry, 25 doctors were referred to the ethical guide.

In cases where the Medical Council applied to the High Court to have doctors’ names removed from the register, five orders were granted. Of the 24 sanctions imposed in 2008, three involved erasing doctors’ names from the register.

On average, it took just over four months for the Fitness to Practice Committee to make a decision in relation to the complaint from the time it was received.

While the bulk of complaints (204) were against GPs, one third were against hospital consultants (114) and 6% were made against junior hospital doctors.

The likelihood of a doctor being the subject of a complaint is one in 60 according to Medical Council statistics. A total of 22 complaints were carried over from 2008 to 2009.