More than 1,000 patients in the county are failing to complain about poor care due to the process being too complicated or frustrating.

Almost one in three people throughout England experienced poor quality care but only a third actually complain about it.

A report by Healthwatch Surrey said at least 1,600 incidents had gone unreported in the past 12 months.

Mike Rich, CEO of Healthwatch Surrey, said: "We know that the main reason people complain when they receive poor care is to save other people suffering the same in the future.

"Unfortunately, the current system is making it very tough for people to make their voices heard."

There were more than 30,000 written complaints reported to the NHS in 2012-13.

However, many people said complaints system was too complicated, took too much effort and there was not enough faith their feedback would make any difference.

Mr Rich said: "Healthwatch Surrey will use Healthwatch England's work and the results of their own investigation as a platform to launch a local discussion with the public, service providers and commissioners about how the situation can be improved locally."

Contact Healthwatch through the Citizens Advice Bureau by calling 0303 3030023 or online at healthwatchsurrey.co.uk.