Public satisfaction with NHS sinks to record low

A recent British Social Attitudes survey has reported that public satisfaction with the NHS has dropped to its lowest level ever recorded.  Just 29 per cent of those surveyed said they were satisfied with the NHS in 2022, with staff shortages and waiting times being the biggest concerns.

A&E saw the biggest drop in satisfaction, but ratings for all services, from dentistry and GPs to general hospital care, fell.

The survey of over 3,300 people was carried out in the autumn before the winter months hit, a period which saw the worst waiting times on record in England, Scotland and Wales.

The findings were published by the King’s Fund and Nuffield Trust think tanks which sponsor the health questions.

Dan Wellings of the King’s Fund said “It is easy to become desensitised to the relentless flow of bad news about struggling health services, but we cannot underestimate the significance of the unprecedented results.

“These stark findings should act as a wake-up call to those in power.”

Healthwatch England’s Louise Ansari, said the findings correlated with the feedback it was receiving, adding “Access is a real problem at the moment.  The long waits are really distressing for people.

“What we find is that when people get to see someone they do rate their treatment really high.  It is just that access is a real problem at the moment.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (karenmotley@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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