Public Dissatisfaction with NHS Reaches All-Time Low
Britain’s longest-running survey has revealed that public satisfaction with the NHS has dropped to a record low, with only 24 percent of the British public satisfied with the health service.
The survey conducted by the British Social Attitudes (BSA) in 2023 shows a significant decrease from previous years, with satisfaction levels at 29 points lower than in 2020 and the lowest since the survey began in 1983.
The results, based on a survey of 3,374 people across Britain, are considered representative of the British public according to analysis by The King’s Fund and Nuffield Trust.
Alongside the dissatisfaction with the NHS, the report also highlights a lack of satisfaction with social care, with only 13 percent of the public satisfied in 2023.
Factors contributing to dissatisfaction with the NHS included long wait times for appointments, insufficient staff, lack of government funding, and perceived wastage of money within the healthcare system.
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent government response have exacerbated issues with the NHS, leading to longer hospital waiting lists and increased pressure on the healthcare system.
Despite the challenges, public support for the NHS remaining free at the point of use remains high, with 92 percent of respondents expressing support for this principle.
The survey also indicates that 84 percent of the public believe the NHS is facing a funding problem, with varying opinions on how this should be addressed.
Overall, the findings underscore a significant decline in public satisfaction with the NHS and highlight the need for improvements to the healthcare system in the UK.
