Public Satisfaction with the NHS Hits Record Low

What Do You Think?

Every year, the Nuffield Trust and The King’s Fund join forces to analyse and present findings from the British Social Attitudes survey. This independent survey gives a vital snapshot of how people across the UK really feel about the services we all rely on, and the 2024 results have recently been published.

The results show that public satisfaction with the way the NHS is running has plummeted to an all-time low.

Just 1 in 5 people (21%) said they were satisfied with the NHS – the lowest level ever recorded since the survey began in 1983.

Here are some of the key findings:

• 59% of respondents said they were dissatisfied with the NHS – a huge increase driven by concerns over long waiting times, staff shortages, and the sense that the system is under unsustainable pressure.

• Satisfaction with GP services fell to 24%, also a record low. Access to timely appointments remains one of the top issues raised.

• Only 13% of people were satisfied with social care services, with many feeling the system is failing some of the most vulnerable.

• Common reasons for dissatisfaction across both health and social care included: difficulty getting appointments or support, lack of funding, overstretched staff, and concerns that those who need help most aren’t receiving it.

  
  

Read the full report at Public satisfaction with the NHS and social care in 2024

Louise Ansari, Chief Executive of Healthwatch England, responded to the report by saying:

“"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.”.”

At Healthwatch West Berkshire, we know that behind every statistic is a real person with a real story. Whether you’ve had a positive or negative experience, your voice matters. This is your opportunity to be part of the local and national conversation about what needs to change.

We want to hear from you:

• Have you or a loved one had trouble getting a GP or hospital appointment?

• Are you worried about the care your family member receives?

• Or perhaps you’ve had a great experience you think others should know about?

  
  

Sharing your feedback helps us push for better services. You can get in touch in a few different ways.

Via our Have Your Say form on our website: Home | Healthwatch West Berkshire

Give us a call on 01635 886210, or Email: contact@healthwatchwestberks.org.uk

Together, we can help shape a better future for West Berkshire's health and care services