Office of the Health Services Commissioner Annual Report 2001-02

The largest group of doctors is the General Practitioners (GPs). In 2000/2001 23%
(197) of all complaints against doctors were made about GPs. Figure 6 below shows
the categories of complaints made against GPs for the past two years.
Appendix 2 lists the number of complaints about individual medical specialities
GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
The most common issues in complaints about GPs relate to treatment, recorded as
inadequate treatment and diagnosis. Attitudinal problems and poor communication
are also cited as cause for complaints.
A man took his infant daughter to a GP because he was worried about her
persistent respiratory infection. He was upset that the doctor dismissed his
concerns in a curt manner and did not examine the child. The complainant said
he was aware that antibiotics were not always appropriate but he would have
liked to see the doctor take some interest in the child and reassure him she was
not at risk.
Figure 6. Issues in GP Complaints
14%
Access
8%
Issues in GP Complaints
2%
Not specified 2001-2002
1%
2000-2001
Administration
Communication
Cost
Rights
2%
5%
4%
13%
16%
21%
Treatment
50%
51%
Health Services Commissioner Annual Report 2001/2002 30