Complaints backlog endangers patient safety
The National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health, Valvira, is facing a backlog of cases that has begun to threaten patient safety.
The authority takes more than two years to deal with some cases. A lack of resources, combined with an increase in caseload, is causing the problem.
Valvira was dealing with around 1,000 cases at the turn of the year.
The glut of fake doctor cases and the consequent increase in reports to the authority, has added to the difficulties.
According to Valvira Director-General Tarja Holi, patient safety could be at risk if complaints against medical staff drag on.
”Relevant issues could be missed by investigators when caseloads are heavy,” she warns.
Valvira investigates annually around 100 cases annually involving charges of incompetence leveled at doctors and nurses. In addition, complaints are often made by pharmacists claiming physicians have incorrectly dealt with prescriptions.
Complaints are usually filed with Valvira by patients or by fellow workers.
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