THE MEDICAL Council received 318 complaints against doctors last year, according to figures it released yesterday.
This was 25 fewer complaints than it received in 2007 and the majority of complaints were in relation to treatment, professional standards, failure to communicate and rudeness.
Most complaints were against GPs and hospital consultants, with 23 doctors complained about more than once.
In most cases the council decided there was no prima facie case against the doctor complained of, but fitness to practise inquiries were held on foot of 29 of the complaints lodged.
These resulted in three doctors being struck off the medical register, one being suspended from the register, seven having conditions attached to the retention of their name on the register, and four doctors being admonished.
In nine cases no sanction was imposed.
Not all the cases that went to the fitness to practise committee had been finalised at the end of 2008.
There were over 19,000 doctors on the medical register in 2008.