News

Scotland’s NHSS trusts are taking longer to deal with complaints from the public according to the latest national statistics bulletin from the Scottish executive.

Almost four out of every 10 complaints are not dealt with in the 20-day limit laid down by the Scottish executive. Two years ago 75 per cent of complaints were dealt within the required timescale, but this had fallen to 62 per cent for the year ending 31 March 2001.

The official statistics also showed that the number of complaints received by NHSS trusts were continuing to rise and were up 2.3 per cent on the previous year.

A spokesperson for the Scottish executive said ministers were considering action to remedy the problem and added: "The current complaints procedure is too cumbersome for most complaints. That is why we are holding a review of the procedure."