Public perception of the NHS has reached a new low, as indicated by the recent British Social Attitudes survey. Only 21% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the NHS in 2024, citing concerns such as waiting times and staff shortages as major issues. This represents a significant decline from 2019, when 60% of individuals reported satisfaction. NHS leaders have emphasized that these findings should serve as a wake-up call for the health service.
The survey, which has been conducted since 1983 and involved nearly 3,000 individuals from England, Wales, and Scotland last autumn, revealed a notable decrease in satisfaction with key NHS services. Specifically, satisfaction levels were reported as follows:
– A&E: 19% satisfied, down from 54% in 2019
– Dentistry: 20% satisfied, down from 60% in 2019
– GP services: 31% satisfied, down from 68% in 2019
Among the regions assessed, the public in Wales expressed the highest levels of dissatisfaction with the NHS. Furthermore, satisfaction with social care, which encompasses care homes and home assistance, was even lower, with only 13% of respondents indicating satisfaction – consistent with the previous year’s results.
Individual testimonies from respondents shed light on the challenges faced within the NHS. James Cullinane, a 41-year-old from Luton, shared his frustration with accessing GP care, noting difficulties in securing appointments for himself and his children, particularly for his son with allergies. Susan Quenby, a 68-year-old from York, recounted a distressing experience of receiving care for sepsis in A&E, expressing dissatisfaction with the quality of treatment and hygiene standards. These personal accounts offer insight into the real-life impacts of the NHS’s shortcomings.
Amidst concerns over funding and efficiency within the NHS, healthcare experts and patient advocates have underscored the urgent need for reform and improvement. Bea Taylor from the Nuffield Trust highlighted the public’s disillusionment with the current state of the NHS, emphasizing the enduring support for its foundational principles. Louise Ansari of Healthwatch England echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of addressing long wait times and access issues to restore public confidence in the healthcare system. Saffron Cordery of NHS Providers called for decisive action to rebuild trust in the NHS, emphasizing the necessity of comprehensive reforms. Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged the challenges faced by the NHS and outlined ongoing efforts to enhance services, promising a forthcoming 10-year plan to elevate the NHS to global standards
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