Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has expressed concern at an increase in complaints at NHS Tayside and Forth Valley.
In 2011/12 there were 567 complaints reported at NHS Forth Valley, this figure has since risen to 662 complaints in 2012/13; a rise of 14.35%.
A similar increase was reported in NHS Tayside where complaints rose from 694 to 857 during the same timeframe, an increase of 23.48%.
Nurse numbers have seen reductions in both NHS Forth Valley and NHS Tayside and many working within the health service feel pressured by constraints on their time.
Latest available figures reveal a reduction in Hospital and Community Nurses by 5.6% in NHS Tayside. In Forth Valley there has been a reduction of 4.7% in Hospital and Community Nurses and Midwives.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Hospital staff must have access to the best possible support in order to provide patient care of the highest calibre.
“Complaints in both NHS Forth Valley and NHS Tayside are rising annually. This trend is especially pronounced in Forth Valley where complaints have doubled since 2008/9.
“Anyone entering hospitals across Scotland must feel confident in the quality of care they receive.
“Above all, the Scottish Government must listen to the recommendations made by our hardworking nurses and doctors to ensure that they are given the correct tools to do their job.”