Dissatisfaction with the NHS at record high: A consequence of neglect and mismanagement

THE latest findings from the British Social Attitudes survey paint a stark picture of public sentiment towards the National Health Service (NHS). According to analysis by The King’s Fund and the Nuffield Trust, public satisfaction with the NHS has plummeted to the lowest level ever recorded.

In a society that once took pride in its healthcare system, less than a quarter of individuals now express satisfaction with the way the NHS is being run. This alarming decline reflects years of government cuts, underfunding, and a myriad of systemic issues that have eroded the foundation of our healthcare.

For those who closely followed the fortunes of the NHS, this decline comes as no surprise. The survey highlights a multitude of factors contributing to this disillusionment. Long waiting times for GP and hospital appointments, staffing shortages, and the perception of inadequate government spending on healthcare are among the top reasons cited by dissatisfied respondents. These are not isolated complaints; they are the consequences of chronic underinvestment and mismanagement.

It is disheartening but not unexpected that nearly three-quarters of dissatisfied respondents pointed to long waiting times as a primary concern. Patients, often in urgent need of care, are left languishing in corridors, a symbol of a system stretched to its limits. Meanwhile, the issue of staffing shortages persists, placing immense strain on the healthcare workforce and compromising the quality of care provided.

The survey’s introduction of a new question in 2023 revealed that nearly half of the public would support increased taxes to fund the NHS. This willingness to contribute more financially underscores the importance placed on our healthcare system. However, it also speaks volumes about the public’s loss of faith in the government’s ability to adequately support the NHS without additional funds.

Despite these record-low levels of satisfaction, there remains a steadfast support for the founding principles of the NHS. The concept of healthcare that is free at the point of use, primarily funded through taxation, and available to everyone continues to resonate strongly with the public. It is a testament to the enduring value placed on universal healthcare in our society.

The survey’s findings on specific NHS services paint a concerning picture. Public satisfaction with GP services, historically one of the most highly regarded aspects of the NHS, has fallen to its lowest level on record. Similarly, satisfaction with NHS dentistry, inpatient services, outpatient services, and A&E services has reached historically low levels. These trends are a reflection of the widespread challenges facing the entire healthcare system.

The situation is no better when it comes to social care, with satisfaction levels hitting a dismal 13%. Inadequate pay, working conditions, and training for social care workers, along with insufficient support for unpaid carers, are among the top reasons for dissatisfaction. These findings underscore the interconnectedness of healthcare and social care and the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing these issues.

Dan Wellings, Senior Fellow at The King’s Fund, rightly points out that the challenges facing the NHS are not new. Dan said:

“These results are depressing but sadly not surprising. The NHS has seen no respite from the issues that have led to an unprecedented downward spiral in public satisfaction in recent years.    

“With the health service increasingly unable to meet the expectations and needs of those who rely on it, public satisfaction with the NHS is now in uncharted territory. The size of the challenge to recover it is growing more difficult with each passing year. Ahead of the upcoming general election, political leaders should take note of just how far satisfaction with this celebrated public institution has fallen.  

“The public are clear that they want shorter waits for care, better staffing levels and more funding. Despite the challenging economic circumstances, our analysis suggests that one in two people may be prepared to pay more for the NHS through taxation, especially those with the deepest pockets.” 

Jessica Morris, Fellow at The Nuffield Trust, emphasises the need for realism and transparency from political parties as they navigate the challenges ahead, Jessica said:

“The next government will inherit an NHS with a record low level of satisfaction with the way in which it’s running. It is worrying how consistent this is across different NHS services, with inpatient, outpatient, dentistry and GP services reporting record-low levels of satisfaction. As we approach a general election, political parties should be frank and realistic about the challenges ahead of them if they are to turn this situation around.     

“Despite such low levels of satisfaction, the public continues to back the principles underpinning the NHS. The public has not fallen out of love with the idea of a publicly funded, free at-the-point-of-use NHS, but they are losing confidence that it will support them and their loved ones in the best possible way when they need it.”