Public dissatisfaction with the NHS has hit a new low, according to the latest findings from the longstanding British Social Attitudes survey. Merely 24% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the NHS in 2023, citing concerns over prolonged waiting times and staff shortages as primary issues.
This represents a five-percentage-point decline from the previous year and a stark drop from the peak satisfaction level of 70% recorded in 2010. The British Social Attitudes survey, which has served as a benchmark for gauging public opinion on the health service since 1983, underscores the gravity of the situation.
The survey, conducted by the National Centre for Social Research across England, Wales, and Scotland, encompassed the perspectives of over 3,000 individuals during the autumn months. Results published by the Nuffield Trust and King’s Fund think tanks reveal a persistent downward trend in NHS performance, following last year’s record low.
Since 2020, overall satisfaction has plummeted by 29 percentage points, indicating a concerning trajectory. Among the core services, A&E and dentistry garnered the least satisfaction from the public, reflecting widespread discontent with critical aspects of healthcare delivery.
