Complaints about doctors handled by the Medical Defence Union were 15 times higher in 2001 than in 1990, says a report released yesterday.

Complaints about doctors handled by the Medical Defence Union (MDU) were 15 times higher in 2001 than in 1990, says a report released yesterday.

The MDU, which provides insurance for over half of UK doctors, said 36 complaints involving its members were made to the General Medical Council in 1990 compared with 558 two years ago.

MDU senior research fellow Patrick Hoyte said: "We have no reason to think this is due to a decline in the standards in the medical profession.

"Rather, patients are more aware of their rights and, quite properly, more willing to complain."

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