British Social Attitudes Survey results are in – our response

Response - 28 March 2023

Public satisfaction with the NHS has slumped to its lowest level ever recorded by the British Social Attitudes Survey (BSA). Despite this, the public shows very strong support for the NHS. Read our response.
Woman at GP surgery counter reading paper work

Today saw the publication of the British Social Attitudes Survey (BSA), conducted by the National Centre for Social Research and analysed by The King’s Fund and the Nuffield Trust.

It shows that public satisfaction with the NHS has slumped to its lowest level ever recorded by the BSA, with A&E services seeing the biggest year to year increase in dissatisfaction.

Key highlights

  • 29% of people are satisfied with the NHS:
    • 35% satisfied with GP services
    • 27% satisfied with dentistry
    • 30% satisfied with A&E.
  • All figures have got worse since last year, but A&E services recorded the biggest change in public satisfaction and now is among people’s top three priorities for improvement.
  • The main reasons for dissatisfaction include long waits for hospital GP appointments, staff shortages, and opinions on lack of funding.
  • 14% of people are satisfied with social care.   

Despite the low satisfaction levels, the public continues to show very strong support for the principles underpinning the NHS.

Our national director, Louise Ansari, said:

“It’s hugely worrying to learn that public satisfaction in NHS services has now plummeted to its lowest ever level. We know that people are concerned about getting timely access and care from GP teams, dentists and hospital services. But, what is particularly concerning is the decline in satisfaction with the urgent care provided by A&E services.

“This reflects our own research which shows that people were significantly less confident than they were before the pandemic that A&E services would see them in a reasonable timeframe. People are still fairly confident they will receive high-quality care, but worry they will have to wait too long to get it. We also continue to hear from people waiting for hours in crowded waiting rooms, with inadequate toilet facilities, and little or no information on when they will be seen.

“These findings can’t be ignored. To help rebuild public confidence it’s vital that current and future NHS COVID-recovery plans are properly funded and implemented. The public is clear that they support the principles of the NHS. Now services need to work hand in hand with people to create a healthcare system that is sustainable and designed around patients’ needs.”

- Ends - 

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