HEALTH watchdogs have received a major rise in complaints since the downgrading of Kidderminster Hospital.

Complaints to Kidderm-inster and District Community Health Council rose from 45 in 1999-2000 to 74 in 2000-2001.

The CHC's annual report said there was a substantial increase in grievances - particularly in the latter half of the year following the downgrading.

Kidderminster Hospital lost its blue-light accident and emergency department and inpatient services last September as part of the county health shake-up.

Complaints included 17 about Kidderminster Hospital, 15 about Ronkswood Hospital, Worcester, and nine about GPs.

The report said: "Many of the additional complaints relate to the long waits in the A&E department and medical admissions unit at Ronkswood Hospital and the inappropriate care and treatment received by patients on the wards at the Worcester hospitals."

The report has given further ammunition to Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor in his quest to return a blue light A&E to Kidderminster Hospital.

Last week the Shuttle/Times & News reported the medical establishment has ordered a national re-think on the delivery of acute services.

And leading acute services consultant Andy Black has received backing for his proposal to reverse the model of large central hospitals served by smaller local hospitals to which patients are discharged - on which basis Kidderminster Hospital was downgraded.

Dr Taylor: "I am not surprised complaints have risen, it is very predictable.

"The fact is the wait for beds in Worcester is what we predicted and the situation will not improve when the new hospital opens because there will be no more beds to cope with the demand at the medical admissions unit.

"If medical emergencies were returned to Kidderminster it would avoid many of these problems for patients."

The CHC is not able to investigate complaints but is able to assist complainants to make them and help them find their way round the complaints system.

They help write letters for complainants and accompany them to meetings and act as a friend and advocate.

Anyone wanting more information on the NHS complaints system can call the CHC on 01562 60243.