29.01.15
Public satisfaction with NHS near record levels
Public satisfaction with the NHS has risen to 65%, its second highest level ever, according to data from the British Social Attitudes 2014 survey published by The King’s Fund.
The survey of 2,000 people, carried out between August and September 2014, found that 65% were ‘very’ or ‘quite’ satisfied with the NHS. The highest-ever public satisfaction level with the way the NHS runs was 70%, in 2010.
The report, carried out before the problems in A&E this winter, found that satisfaction with A&E services rose to 58% (from 53% last year) despite much-publicised difficulties in meeting waiting time targets in 2014.
Also, the overall levels of ‘dissatisfaction’ fell to an all-time low of 15%.
Professor John Appleby, chief economist at The King’s Fund, said: “With the NHS a leading issue ahead of the general election, the British Social Attitudes survey provides a useful snapshot of how the public views the NHS.
“Public satisfaction with the NHS is high and has risen significantly, despite a year in which the service hit the headlines for financial pressures and difficulties with A&E waiting times.”
GP services remain the most popular NHS service in terms of satisfaction, with a rating of 71% in 2014, but this was the lowest level since the survey began.
Dr Mark Porter, BMA chair of council, said: “All parts of the NHS are struggling with ever-increasing patient demand, staff shortages and insufficient resources. Key areas, such as an A&E and GP services, are under particular stress and in some cases are close to breaking point.
“The satisfaction rates for GP services remain the highest of any other part of the NHS, but any government should be concerned that overall rates are slipping under their watch. GPs are working harder than ever before, but they simply do not have enough staff, funding and suitable facilities to deliver the services and care that all GPs want to see.”
Outpatient services, another area that has been in the headlines in the last 12 months, experienced an all-time high in satisfaction levels of 69% in 2014, almost rivalling general practice as the most popular NHS service.
Rob Webster, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: “We know these satisfaction ratings are a testament to our members and their committed staff who provide high-quality services and leadership in tough times.
“Maintaining and improving satisfaction will be important as we embark on changes to services, whichever party comes to power, and we must continue to support NHS staff through these times.”
Health secretary Jeremy Hunt, who has been in well publicised talks with unions this week, which led to diverting strike action over pay, added that the results are a tribute to the “hardworking NHS staff who are unstinting in their efforts to ensure patients receive a world-class service”.
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]