NHS figures released today show total number of written complaints has increased by 4,992 (4.6%). The highest increase in complaints was for ‘ambulance crews (including paramedics)’, which was 28.5% higher in 2013-14 (5,700) than in 2012-13 (4,440).

Luciana Berger MP, Labour’s Shadow Public Health Minister,  said:

“These figures are a sign of an NHS under pressure and heading in the wrong direction.

“The huge increase in complaints for ambulance crews is particularly worrying alongside lengthening response times and queues of ambulances outside A&E. Instead of denying there is a problem, Ministers need to urgently get to grips with the crisis developing in the ambulance service.

“It is yet more proof that you can’t trust the Tories with the NHS.”