Public Satisfaction With NHS Hits All-Time Low, Survey Reveals

A new survey tracking public perceptions of the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has found that public satisfaction with the government-run healthcare system has fallen to its lowest level on record. The survey of over 10,000 British adults across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland paints a worrying picture. With a majority now voicing dissatisfaction over issues like long wait times and staff shortages within the NHS.

When asked to rate their overall satisfaction with the NHS on a scale of 1 to 10, the average score given was just 5.8 out of 10. The lowest in the survey’s history which dates back over 15 years. Key findings show a growing proportion of the public believe the NHS is understaffed. With nearly 70% saying there are too few doctors and nurses working in the health service. Over 60% also reported feeling frustrated by long waits for appointments and routine treatments.

What’s Behind The Falling Satisfaction?

Experts point to a combination of factors driving the decline in public satisfaction. Including the NHS backlog that built up during the pandemic where many routine appointments and operations were delayed or cancelled. Staffing shortages across the NHS, especially in nursing, are also seen as a significant issue exacerbating wait times and service quality. The NHS itself has acknowledged it’s struggling with around 100,000 vacancies that are proving hard to fill.

The survey results underscore the immense challenges facing the NHS after years of underfunding. And more recently the strains of dealing with COVID-19. With winter approaching and flu season starting, there are concerns public satisfaction could continue slipping unless urgent action is taken to boost capacity and support NHS workers on the frontlines. However, the government maintains its commitment to the NHS and billions in additional funding.