THE number of complaints against GPs on the Isle of Wight has risen by more than 50 over the last three years, according to figures released today (Thursday).
But health bosses said the increase from 74 in 2009/10 to 128 in 2011/12 was due to changes in the reporting of grievances rather than an increase in dissatisfaction.
Dr John Rivers, chair of Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "The number of recorded complaints about GP practices on the Island has risen in the past few years, but this seems to be about better reporting of complaints to the PCT rather than a rise in dissatisfaction with our GPs.
"We have had one GP investigated by the General Medical Council in the last few years.
"Survey data collected by MORI which measures patient satisfaction with Island GPs shows we have the one of the highest levels of satisfaction amongst patients in the country.
"The new Clinical Commissioning Group, which will be run by Island GPs is keen to maintain this high approval rating of its doctors."
In 2010/11 there were 118 complaints against GPs on the Isle of Wight.
According to an Isle of Wight NHS spokeswoman the number of GP practices that provided the PCT with complaints data rose from eight to 17 over the last three years.
"This, we believe, accounts for the apparent rise in the number of complaints reported. In 2011/12 all GP practices consistently reported on their complaints to us," said the spokeswoman
Earlier this week, the General Medical Council, which regulates GP practices, said there had been a record number of complaints about doctors nationally.
The national figure rose from 7,153 in 2010/11 to 8,781 in 2011/12, an increase of 23 per cent.