HSE received 9,000 complaints last year

More than 9,000 people complained about the health service last year, according to the HSE's annual report, which was published this afternoon.

Over half of the complaints related to problems with patient care.

The HSE also confirmed it had a budget deficit of more than a quarter of a billion euro in 2008.

The report also revealed a 23% surge in the cost of cancer drugs and other medicines, and an 11% increase in demand for medical cards.

Chief Executive Professor Brendan Drumm insisted the overall level of complaints last year was low.

Mr Drumm said: "The number of complaints is extremely small, and I would suggest that it is consistent with our independent measurement of complaints from the community.

"We go and knock on peoples doors to find out if they've used our services, and people have a huge satisfaction rating."