NEARLY 4000 official complaints and concerns have been raised about care providers in York and North Yorkshire so far this year. 

The figures obtained by The Press have been described as "deeply concerning", "worrying" and "staggering" by local politicians and organisations.

Questions have been raised about whether the Care Quality Commission (CQC) can cope with the sheer volume of concerns raised. 

The watchdog has received 780 complaints or concerns about care from members of the public in York, 2724 in North Yorkshire and 116 at unspecified locations in the region. Some of the complainants have flagged up a series of concerns each.

Staff "whistleblowers", working mainly in care homes, raised 89 concerns over the same period between January and October.

Julian Sturdy, MP for Outer York, said: “I am deeply concerned to hear that there have been over 3600 complaints made against care providers in York and North Yorkshire. Occasionally I am contacted by constituents who have concerns over the treatment of family members in care facilities in York and I’m very much aware of how devastating it can be for those affected. 

“For some, it means having to continue to pursue complaints even after loved ones have passed away and ineffectual responses from the organisations that are supposed to safeguard our most vulnerable people can often compound a family’s grief.

"I will continue to work on behalf of my constituents and with the Care Quality Commission to ensure that each and every one of the complaints are given the attention they deserve and are properly investigated.”

The complaints relate to everything the Government watchdog covers - which includes hospitals, care homes, dental and GP surgeries, and all other care services in England.

Concerns raised about scores of organisations in York include multiple concerns raised about places such as Stockton Hall, Amarna House, York Hospital, The Wilf Ward Family Trust, Allied Healthcare York and York Helpers. 

Hugh Bayley, MP for York Central, has tabled a Parliamentary question over the level of complaints being addressed to the CQC. 

Mr Bayley said: "It's a much higher number of complaints than I would have expected. I want to get to the bottom of what aspects of care my constituents are complaining about and the care providers who are attracting a high number of complaints. 

"I congratulate The Press on asking this question, it has revealed a worrying number of complaints." 

Numbers of concerns are rising nationally - in 2013/14, the CQC was contacted 956 times by whistleblowers working in the NHS, in 2012/13, this was 601. 

York Older People's Assembly (YOPA) said the number is staggering. A spokesman said: "York Older People's Assembly believes all residents should be treated with respect, dignity, kindness, and compassion. This clearly is not the case.

"The Care Sector is still the "Cinderella" in meeting the needs of older people. It is inspected but not regulated. Regulation should cover pay and working conditions staffing levels and published prices."

A CQC spokesperson said: "In assessing health services, CQC asks: is the organisation well-led? An organisation that is well-led will listen to and act on information from staff, particularly when staff report poor care.

"It takes great courage to be a whistleblower and staff need to know that when they do come forward with concerns they will not suffer as a result."

"In 2013/14, CQC received 956 contacts from NHS whistleblowers - this information is vitally important in helping us decide where and when to inspect."

Details of the raw data provided by the CQC - including concerns raised by members of the public and whistleblowers - can be downloaded below. 

CQC York and North Yorkshire whistleblowers.xlsx 

CQC York and North Yorkshire - information of concern.xlsx