It is deeply disappointing that the level of complaints made against two of the biggest health trusts in our district have shown a dramatic increase.

The Airedale NHS Foundation Trust has seen an increase of 41 per cent and Bradford District Care Trust has risen by 28 per cent, new figures have revealed.

It is important to point out that many of these are not upheld – for Airedale, the figure is just nine per cent ¬ but it is also worth mentioning that Healthwatch England believe only a fifth of people who experience poor care actually bother to complain.

The vast majority of staff who work for our NHS trusts are dedicated and committed individuals, and none of them would go out of their way to create a problem.

But there is no doubt that the level of cuts to the public purse – combined with a greater awareness among the public of their rights – has contributed to a greater number of written complaints.

While Airedale has a relatively low figure of complaints upheld, there will also be further concern about the fact there has been a 39 per cent increase in complaints upheld by Bradford District Care Trust.

What is important though is that those with issues to raise are able to do so – and lessons are learnt when things have gone wrong.

We rely on the health service to look after our loved ones when they are at their most vulnerable, and it is vital we know that the level of service will be as good as it possibly can be.