Public satisfaction of the NHS at an all-time low

05 April 2024

Public satisfaction with the NHS is now at a record low of only 24%, the lowest since the British Social Attitudes Survey began in 1983.

In the 40 years since the British Social Attitudes Survey began, the public’s satisfaction levels with NHS services has been assessed in detail. The most recent report from 2023 shows unprecedented levels of dissatisfaction and the lowest levels of satisfaction since the survey began.

It is likely unsurprising for most people reading this to know that satisfaction with the NHS is at an all-time low given the current news about the NHS. The ongoing news includes backlog caused by the pandemic, the ongoing strike action and the extensive delays across most services. The top issues for individuals in the survey was the waiting times for GP and hospital appointments and staff shortages.

Historically, satisfaction levels reached a peak of 70% in 2010 however this has been declining rapidly since 2020. The survey also highlights that satisfaction levels in the specific services provided by the NHS are also at a record low. Only 34% of people said they were satisfied with their GP, 35% said they were satisfied with inpatient and outpatient services, 31% were satisfied with A&E and a low of 24% were satisfied with dentistry. The majority of people (84%) surveyed considered that the NHS had a major or severe funding issue.

With satisfaction levels having reached an all-time low, it will be unsurprising to learn that dissatisfaction levels have reached an all-time high in 2023. A staggering 52% of people surveyed said that they were either very or quite dissatisfied with the way in which the NHS runs.

Significantly, the survey confirms that the public does support the underlining principles of the NHS: available to all, free at the point of use and tax funded. In fact, the support for these was overwhelming positive with more than 90% of people supporting that it is available for all. Interestingly, 48% of people responded that the government should increase taxes and spend more on the NHS. So, what does this mean for the coming year? The country is heading towards an election and therefore it is clear that the NHS will be a key topic for the voting public. We expect that there will be significant talk of options for the future of the NHS and assume this will be an integral part of the manifestos for the political parties.

To read the full report click HERE