Less than half of complaints made to the Saolta Hospital Group in 2023 were responded to within the required 30 day period. HSE procedures state that any complaint made to a Hospital will be acknowledged within five days, with a response required to be issued in 30 days. CSO statistics released recently show that in 2023, Saolta group hospital's responded to just 45 percent of complaints in the required 30 days. In a statement to Shannonside FM News, the group said that they regretted any delay in investigating and resolving complaints.
They stated that complaints have increased in complexity and often involve clinical aspects which can take time to resolve. Staffing issues were one of the main challenges faced by the hospital service according to the statement, with Saolta claiming they are now working hard to address any backlogs in complaints. They confirmed to Shannonside FM News that timely management of complaints would be ensured going forward.
