09.11.12
Constructive or destructive criticism?
The concerning revelations from the Ombudsman report today about complaints regarding the NHS should serve as a potent alert to health professionals and the Government over the obligation to prioritise effective communication between GPs and their patients.
However, the NHS Confederation’s response was somewhat puzzling, as chief executive Mike Farrar simultaneously acknowledged the need to address problems at an early stage whilst defending the NHS from any accusations of malpractice.
A rise in 8% in the number of complaints about the NHS is surely significant enough to concern health officials. The specific and frankly shocking case studies highlighted in Ombudsman’s report merely strengthen the necessity of tackling doctors’ attitudes towards their patients and families.
It is crucial that instead of viewing the report as an attack on the NHS and its GPs, the complaints are used constructively to improve care in the future.
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