THE number of written complaints to GP and dental practices in Oxfordshire has fallen over the past two years, according to NHS data.

Figures show that GP and dental practices in the Oxfordshire clinical commissioning group (CCG) received 892 written complaints between April 2017 and March 2018, compared with 1,018 the previous year - a drop of 12 per cent.

In Oxfordshire, 33 per cent of the 851 complaints that were dealt with in 2017-18 were upheld, meaning that evidence was found to support the complaint and an admission was made by the practice.

A further 18 per cent of the resolved complaints were partially upheld.

Complaints about multiple issues are recorded as partially upheld if some, but not all, of the issues are upheld.

Complaints that were found to be unsubstantiated, frivolous or vexatious and were not upheld made up 49 per cent of the total.

Medical experts say that there are many factors that could cause complaint numbers to vary year-on-year.

According to guidance from the British Medical Association, a complaint can be made by a patient, or anyone affected by the action, omission or decision of the practice that led to the complaint.

Complaints can be made about any person working in the primary care practice, from the GPs themselves to admin staff and receptionists.

In recent years there has been an effort by health bosses to make patients more aware of ways in which their views can be heard.