Sir, – Shauna Bowers’s article “Complaints about doctors to the Medical Council were up 12% in 2025” (October 2nd) highlights that, of the 387 complaints investigated by the Medical Council’s Preliminary Proceedings Committee last year, almost 80 per cent (301) resulted in no further action. Furthermore, 156 concerns were closed by the Medical Council earlier on, with complainants redirected to a more appropriate route.
It is positive that the Medical Council is closing complaints earlier if they do not meet the criteria for an investigation into a doctor. The Medical Protection Society (MPS) has for some time called for the implementation of powers that enable the regulator to better triage complaints, so those not requiring further action can be closed swiftly.
We also welcome the recognition from the Medical Council that many concerns about doctors – including those related to communication – could be best dealt with locally so patient safety concerns remain the focus of its fitness-to-practise process, in line with its remit.
These statistics do, however, raise serious questions about the types of complaints the Medical Council is processing.
RM Block
We believe more could be done by the Medical Council and HSE to educate the public on the range of complaints processes available, and the high bar that is set for a regulatory investigation.
Signposting patients earlier to more appropriate complaint routes would also benefit patients, as their concerns could be dealt with locally, leading to more relevant action and earlier resolution.
However, this is about more than just ensuring the Medical Council is not devoting significant resources to complaints that do not require regulatory intervention. A Medical Council complaint can be long and incredibly stressful for the doctor involved, with many facing significant mental wellbeing issues and some even leaving clinical practice.
It is vital that they do not go through these investigations unnecessarily. Improving awareness of the different routes available for raising concerns will ultimately benefit patients, doctors and the regulator. – Yours, etc,
Dr SARAH TOWNLEY,
Deputy medical director,
Medical Protection Society,
London Bridge Street,
London.
