NHS patient satisfaction has hit an 11-year low, dropping to just 53% in 2018 – the most significant fall in public confidence since the 2007 financial crisis, according to new analysis of British Social Attitudes survey data by the Nuffield Trust.
The 5 percentage point decline from 2017 reflects growing public concern about three key issues: insufficient government funding, widespread staff shortages, and lengthening waiting times for both GP appointments and hospital treatment. These findings paint a clear picture of a health service under considerable strain, with patients increasingly feeling the impact in their day-to-day experiences of NHS care.
The picture varies across different services. GP satisfaction, whilst historically higher than other NHS areas, has also been affected by this downward trend. Dental services have similarly seen declining satisfaction levels, highlighting broader challenges around access and availability of care. The data suggests the NHS is struggling to balance ever-growing demand against limited resources – a tension that patients are clearly noticing.
Adult social care continues to face particularly stark challenges, with satisfaction remaining stubbornly low at just 26%. This figure has barely shifted over recent years, indicating persistent problems in this crucial sector. Given how closely health and social care services are linked, pressures in one area often create knock-on effects in the other, complicating efforts to address these issues.
These findings come against a backdrop of sustained financial pressures on the NHS, combined with an ageing population and rising numbers of people living with complex, long-term health conditions. Whilst the NHS remains a source of national pride for many Britons, the practical reality of accessing timely care appears increasingly challenging for patients across the country.
If you have health concerns, it's important to seek professional medical advice. Contact your GP practice or call NHS 111 for guidance on the most appropriate care for your situation.
Source: Nuffield Trust