Healthwatch England responds to the latest British Social Attitudes Survey results
Healthwatch England have responded to the British Social Attitudes annual survey of people’s satisfaction with NHS services and social care, published today by The King’s Fund and the Nuffield Trust.
Key findings from the survey:
- This year's results show the highest level of dissatisfaction with the health service since the survey began in 1983.
- Six in ten people (59%) said they were ‘very’ or ‘quite’ dissatisfied with the NHS in 2024, a sharp rise from 52% in 2023.
- Just 12% of people were satisfied with A&E waiting times and 23% with GP waiting times.
- A strong majority of those asked (69%) said the government spends too little or far too little on the NHS.
Despite low satisfaction with services, there remains strong majority support for the founding principles of the NHS, with most people saying it should “definitely or probably” be free at the point of use (90%), available to everyone (77%), and funded from general taxation (80%).
Louise Ansari, Chief Executive at Healthwatch England says:
"These figures are a sobering reminder of the work that needs to be done to rebuild confidence in the NHS. Although many people tell us that they are grateful for the hard work of NHS staff, long waiting times and access issues across the health system have taken their toll on people’s confidence in getting timely care in the first place.
"However, changes already underway, and the upcoming 10-Year Health Plan, are an opportunity for a reset. But rebuilding public confidence is not just about fixing access issues. It will also require the NHS to do more to listen to patients and address other issues that affect their experience of care.
“This means better communication with patients, an end to the poor administration that blights the NHS, and more care closer to home. It also means more joined-up support that meets people’s needs and tackling the health inequalities many communities face.
"Improving public confidence is not going to happen overnight, but real progress is possible with the right plan, enough resources, and by working hand in hand with patients.”
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