Record Number of GP Complaints in England as Patient Dissatisfaction Soars NHS England received over 134,000 written complaints about GPs last year, driven by communication issues, staff attitudes, and treatment errors. The rise in grievances coincides with a significant decline in the number of GPs, leaving patients, especially the elderly, struggling to access care. A survey reveals that many older patients are forced to use digital booking systems, despite NHS rules requiring alternative methods, leading to feelings of abandonment and increased reliance on emergency services. More than 134,000 written complaints about GPs were lodged with NHS England last year, marking a significant rise in patient dissatisfaction. The surge in grievances, up 10% from the previous year, highlights growing concerns over communication issues, staff attitudes, and treatment errors. According to NHS Digital, these complaints accounted for over half of all grievances reported to the NHS in 2024-25. Clinical treatment errors, including misdiagnoses and treatment delays, made up around 16% of the complaints, while staff behavior and appointment availability issues contributed to another 10%. The data reveals a troubling trend, with complaints rising by 57% since 2016, coinciding with a sharp decline in the number of fully qualified GPs.Since 2017, nearly a quarter of GPs have left the NHS, leaving just 28,000 full-time equivalent GPs to serve a growing patient population. This has resulted in a ratio of one GP per 2,200 patients, a stark increase from 2020. Experts warn that the situation is unsustainable, particularly for elderly patients who struggle to navigate digital booking systems.A recent survey by the charity Re-engage found that a third of patients over 75 are being forced to use online forms to book appointments, despite NHS rules requiring alternative booking methods. Many elderly patients report feeling abandoned, with some resorting to self-medication or turning to overcrowded emergency departments. The charity's report, Care on Hold, surveyed 926 older individuals and found that the loss of face-to-face appointments has left many feeling inadequate and rejected.Jenny Willott, CEO of Re-engage, emphasized the importance of in-person care, stating that digital tools cannot replace the human connection that is vital for older, socially isolated individuals. Currently, only 64% of GP appointments are conducted face-to-face, a figure that has raised concerns about accessibility. Since October, GPs have been required to keep online booking systems open from 8am to 6:30pm, a change intended to improve access but criticized for increasing workloads and reducing appointment lengths.Some surgeries have extended staff hours, while others have turned to AI for triaging, leading to further communication breakdowns. Patients like Maureen, 88, who suffers from a suspected thyroid problem, describe the struggle to secure an appointment as a nightmare, with many left in limbo. Another elderly patient, Rose, 92, resorted to draining a wart herself after being repeatedly turned away. Critics are calling for stricter enforcement of NHS contract requirements to ensure equal access to care for all patients