COMPLAINTS against hospitals within the Morecambe Bay Hospitals NHS Trust last year rose to 561, an increase of 123 over the previous year.

It means that the number of complaints have more than doubled since 1997/98, when 215 were recorded.

But the figures are in keeping with national averages, medical director Dr Andy Luksza told board members at their meeting at Furness General Hospital.

Some of the increase was due to making the complaints process standardised, he said.

Previously, many complaints had been dealt with at ward and department level but now all complaints were referred through the same process.

Dr Luksza confirmed that the highest number of complaints, 69, were in the category 'inadequate care', with 37 complaints about 'communication' and 35 and 25 complaints about medical and nursing 'attitude' respectively.

Non executive director Richard Boddy asked if any of the complaints related to life-threatening situations.

Dr Luksza confirmed that some would be.

Sadly, he said, it was still the case that although all the correct tests were carried out, a diagnosis of cancer was not reached in the life of the patient.

This did not mean that the quality of treatment was poor.

It referred to the inadequacy of tests and procedures in some cases.

Non-executive director Pam Houghton said the complaints team worked very hard, coping with increasing numbers.

Board chairman, Prof E.

Idris Williams, said the board should record its gratitude to the complaints department.

Prof Idris said he did not know what could be done about complaints which referred to " attitude".

Senior trust nurse, Sue Baxter, said this was often a matter of perception by the patient, which meant it was very difficult to deal with.

Persistent reports of poor attitude from one individual would be noticed, said Dr Luksza.

This was extremely rare, he said.