Trusts fail to reveal data on complaints

Foundation trusts have more freedom than other trusts, including around control of finances.

Latest data from the NHS Information Centre shows 29 foundation trusts across England did not submit any data on complaints for 2010-11, up from 18 in the previous year.

Foundation trusts are not compelled to submit data but can do so voluntarily.

Yesterday’s report looked at just over 148,000 written complaints about the health service in 2010-11.

Overall, there was a 2.4 per cent (3,700) decrease in complaints compared with the previous year.

The subject most complained about was “all aspects of clinical treatment”, which accounted for 44 per cent of complaints (43,200), slightly up on the previous year.

The chief executive of the Patients Association Katherine Murphy said: “This issue strikes at the heart of this Government’s agenda for reform.

“The current plan is for all trusts to become foundation trusts and gain ‘independence’.

“We need to make sure there are the right safeguards in place.”