Data on Written Complaints in the NHS, 2020-21

National Statistics status means that official statistics meet the highest standards of trustworthiness, quality and public value.

All official statistics should comply with all aspects of the Code of Practice for Official Statistics. They are awarded National Statistics status following an assessment by the Authority’s regulatory arm. The Authority considers whether the statistics meet the highest standards of Code compliance, including the value they add to public decisions and debate.

It is NHS Digital’s responsibility to maintain compliance with the standards expected of National Statistics. If we become concerned about whether these statistics are still meeting the appropriate standards, we will discuss any concerns with the Authority promptly. National Statistics status can be removed at any point when the highest standards are not maintained and reinstated when standards are restored.

Note: Due to a pause in the collection following burden reduction measures introduced across the NHS and changes in collection methods for the KO41b (Primary Care Complaints collection) 2020-21 data are classed as Experimental Statistics.

Experimental statistics are official statistics which are published in order to involve users and stakeholders in their development and to build in quality at an early stage. It is important that users understand that limitations may apply to the interpretation of this data. More details are given in the report.

All official statistics should comply with the UK Statistics Authority’s Code of Practice for Statistics which promotes the production and dissemination of official statistics that inform decision making.

Find out more about the Code of Practice for Statistics 

Find out more about Experimental Statistics 

This report may be of interest to members of the public, policy officials and other stakeholders to make local and national comparisons and to monitor the quality and effectiveness of services.