Sick and Tired: NHS Public Satisfaction Levels Hit All Time Low

After over a decade of cutbacks, staff shortages, record waiting times and lack of infrastructure spending, public satisfaction with the NHS is at its lowest-ever levels. Only 24% of people said they were ‘satisfied’ with the NHS in 2023.

British Social Attitudes Survey Shows Dissatisfaction

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Krakenimages.com

The long-running survey is used as a benchmark to assess how the public feels about the health service in the country. Having started in 1983, they’ve built up a long-term data set on public opinion.

New Low Beats Previous Last Year

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Monkey Business Images

These figures are even lower than last year, which at the time set a new record of dissatisfaction with the NHS. It is only a handful of times since the survey began that the satisfaction level has dropped in consecutive years.

Recent Lows Go Beyond 90s Levels

Image Credit: Shutterstock / meeboonstudio

The survey results are the worst by some margin, and the last time the public displayed anywhere near a similar level of frustration with the service was in the 1990s.

Highest Level of Satisfaction Was 2010

Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes

Worryingly for the government, the highest level of satisfaction with the NHS was in 2010, when they inherited the system. Back then 70% of people surveyed were satisfied with the service. Over a decade of Tory rule has destroyed public satisfaction. 

Usual Suspects Were to Blame

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tyler Olson

In a case of ‘stuck record’, the public displayed frustration with the long waiting times, clear lack of funding, and staff shortages across NHS services.

48% Would Pay More Tax to Increase Investment

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Rawpixel.com

In the survey, 48% of people said they would happily pay additional taxes to allow more funding to go towards the NHS. 42% would like to see taxes remain the same, but government priorities shift towards more NHS funding. 

Wealthiest Happiest to Contribute More

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ink Drop

As expected, those with higher incomes were the ones more likely to accept a tax increase to better fund the NHS. When you’re under less financial pressure, paying more tax isn’t as stifling.

Political Parties Need to Take Heed

Image Credit: Shutterstock / chrisdorney

Speaking on behalf of the Nuffield Trust, which published the findings, Jessica Morris said…

“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.” 

Public Hasn’t Given Up Hope

Image Credit: Shutterstock / wellphoto

She continued, “Despite such low levels of satisfaction, the public continues to back the principles underpinning the NHS.”

Funding Healthcare a Clear Vote Winner

Image Credit: Shutterstock / roibu

In UK politics, a strong stance on the NHS is a vote winner. The UK population is very proud of it, and mismanagement of the NHS is almost certainly a way to lose power. Almost all of us engage with NHS services in some way, so it directly impacts everyday lives.

Royal College of Nursing Has a Say

Image Credit: Shutterstock / chrisdorney

Royal College of Nursing general secretary Prof Pat Cullen said, “Enough is enough. Voters must now make NHS and care services the central issue of the general election.”

Standards Have Plummeted

Image Credit: Shutterstock / I T S

Cullen continued, “An NHS that was once a world-leader is now treating patients in corridors, doorways, and store cupboards. The status quo has become intolerable.”

Government Trying to Claim Progress

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ink Drop

The Department of Health and Social Care claimed that investment was being made into GP services, and that some waiting lists are getting shorter. The issue is, of course, that they’re only shorter because they were all-time record lengths previously. 

Yet Another Example of Government Failings

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Marmalade Photos

Whilst the NHS has never been perfect, there’s no denying that we’ve never seen the service standards crumble under Tory’s leadership. Waiting times are at record lengths, buildings are falling apart and staff shortages are everywhere.

Labour Will Capitalise on These Findings

Image Credit: Shutterstock / ComposedPix

This is a political open goal for Labour to pounce on. They can point to record public satisfaction with the NHS when they were in charge.

Public Suspicion of Tory Control of Public Services

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Prostock-studio

For years the public have been suspicious of the Conservatives running the NHS, claiming they’re slowly selling off parts to private companies. Many NHS services are now outsourced to private healthcare providers.

Government Say They Remain Committed to the NHS

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Microgen

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said, “We are fully committed to a faster, simpler and fairer NHS, free at the point of need.”

Results Speak For Themselves

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Matthew Ashmore

Regardless of government rhetoric, the results don’t lie. Record NHS waiting times, staff shortages, patients in corridors, shortage of beds, and reduced satisfaction with the NHS have all occurred under the Tory government. 

Another Hammer Blow For Tory Re-Election Hopes

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sussex Photographer

This latest news is likely to be another nail in the coffin for the government. The chances of reelection are fading by the day for them. 

25 Things You CAN’T Talk About Anymore

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Motortion Films

Remember the days when you could freely discuss just about anything without fear of sparking controversy? Well, those days are long gone. In today’s hyper-sensitive world, there are topics so fraught with tension that even mentioning them can lead to heated debates and hurt feelings. 25 Things You CAN’T Talk About Anymore

Stranded: 15 Worst British Cars in History

Image Credit: Shutterstock / John Selway

Ever had a car that spent more time with the mechanic than on the road? A car that turned every journey into a game of “Will we actually get there?” If so, you might just see a familiar face (or should we say, chassis) in our countdown to the most unreliable British car in history. Stranded: 15 Worst British Cars in History

“Britain Will Become Unrecognizable” – Suella Braverman Spells Disaster for UK Amid Steep Rise in Visas Issued

Image Credit: Shutterstock / I T S

Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman has warned that Britain will become “unrecognizable,” criticizing the amount of work visas the Home Office has approved, despite only being removed from her role in November. “Britain Will Become Unrecognizable” – Suella Braverman Spells Disaster for UK Amid Steep Rise in Visas Issued

20 Things From the ‘70s That Are Not OK Today

Image Credit: Shutterstock / HappySloth

Step into the time machine and set the dial to the 1970s, a decade of disco, bell-bottoms, and some rather questionable choices. While the ’70s gave us iconic music and groundbreaking TV, not everything from this groovy era would get a green light today. 20 Things From the ‘70s That Are Not OK Today

20 Best and Worst Universities in the UK

Image Credit: Shutterstock / William Barton

Navigating the UK university landscape is like deciphering a complex code of rankings, reviews, and reputations to uncover where you’ll not just learn, but truly flourish. Whether you’re drawn to the historic halls of Oxford or the creative buzz of Goldsmiths, finding your perfect fit is about aligning your aspirations with the unique offerings of each institution. 20 Best and Worst Universities in the UK

The post Sick and Tired: NHS Public Satisfaction Levels Hit All Time Low first appeared on Edge Media.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / John Gomez.

Leave a Comment