Just one in four people now feel satisfied with the NHS – the lowest level ever recorded in 40 years of tracking public opinion. This stark finding from the latest British Social Attitudes survey represents a dramatic fall in confidence, with satisfaction plummeting to just 24% in 2023, down from previous highs of over 70% in the 2010s.
The survey, analysed by the Nuffield Trust, reveals that frustration centres overwhelmingly on one key issue: getting timely access to care. Long waits for GP appointments and hospital treatment are driving this unprecedented decline in public confidence. Many people told researchers they simply cannot get the care they need when they need it – a concern that has intensified since the pandemic, though waiting list pressures were building beforehand due to years of workforce shortages.
It's important to note that whilst satisfaction has fallen sharply, the British public's faith in the NHS's core principles remains remarkably strong. The vast majority still believe healthcare should be funded through taxation and free at the point of use – suggesting people want the NHS to succeed, they're just deeply frustrated with how it's currently performing.
The picture for social care is even more concerning, with satisfaction dropping to just 13% – down three percentage points from 2022. This reflects the severe pressures facing care services, from funding shortfalls to chronic staff shortages. Since health and social care work hand-in-hand, problems in one area inevitably impact the other, affecting the entire patient journey.
These findings present a significant challenge for policymakers, but the NHS is actively working to address waiting times. Recent data shows the overall waiting list for routine hospital treatment in England has begun to decrease slightly, and new initiatives are being rolled out to increase GP appointment availability and speed up hospital discharges. If you're concerned about waiting for treatment, speak to your GP or call NHS 111 for advice about your options and what support is available while you wait.