Complaints against doctors have risen by almost a fifth in the past year according to the Medical Council.

Its annual report claims 369 complaints were received about doctors in 2015.

Communication appears to be a growing problem with a 40% rise in the numbers complaining about it.

Five doctors were struck off the register last year – that is up from just one in 2014.

Medical Council CEO, Bill Prasifka said although men continue to dominate the medical profession, the majority of those on the register between the ages of 30 – 44 are female.