Complaints about Victoria’s health providers surged 12 per cent in 2013-14, part of a four-year climb in recorded criticisms.
More than 3120 complaints were registered with the office of the Health Services Commissioner according to its annual report, released on Wednesday.
They most commonly related to perceived inadequate or unskilful treatment, but also regarded billing practices, hygiene, delays in treatment, administration and poor attitudes among staff.
More than 750 prisoners made complaints last year, up from 480 the year before, which the report suggested may be partly due to the large number of people entering the prison system.
Some complaints made to the commissioner in 2013-14 included:
• A breast cancer survivor who went into a coronary operation advising the surgeon she did not want him to take skin from her left arm, because she was at risk of swelling. The surgeon took the skin and used it for a graft against her wishes.
• A woman who had painful and expensive dental implants, all of which failed. A specialist advised the commissioner’s office the woman’s gums had not been properly assessed and prepared for the implants.