A total of 80 formal complaints have been made to the North Eastern Health Board about Cavan General Hospital over the last two years.
The figures, which were confirmed by the board yesterday, indicate 42 complaints were made in 2002 and 38 in 2003.
A spokeswoman for the board emphasised the figures included all complaints, whether of a minor or serious nature. They would include, she said, complaints about issues ranging from waiting times to concerns about the care or treatment patients received.
The release of the figures comes just days after the health board confirmed it was investigating 14 clinical incidents at the hospital since last summer. These include the deaths of a small number of patients.
The board also this week began an investigation into the death of Frances Sheridan (9) from Cootehill, who died last Sunday three weeks after an appendix operation at the hospital. She was recovering at home when she experienced stomach pain and was brought back to the hospital by her parents. However, staff said she probably only had a stomach bug and sent her home. On Sunday morning when she awoke she started vomiting blood. An ambulance was called but she was dead by the time it had arrived. It is not known if her death is in any way related to her treatment. Post-mortem results are awaited.
Doctors have expressed concern about the continuity of care that can be provided to patients attending the hospital's surgery unit since the suspension of two consultant surgeons last August.