12.06.12
Big drop in public satisfaction with NHS
A large drop in public satisfaction with the NHS, from a record high, could be due to significant negative coverage of the Government’s reforms, critics say.
The British Social Attitudes survey showed satisfaction fell from 70% to 58% last year.
The survey polled 1,000 adults between July and November 2011. The King’s Fund, which analysed the results, suggested that the drop could not be attributed to rising expectations or an actual reduction in the quality of NHS service, as other patient surveys showed no large change in patient experience.
John Appleby, the Kings Fund’s chief economist, said: “It’s hard to say that the drop in satisfaction reflects a fall in NHS service quality. It can be seen as an emotional response.
“The run of year-on-year increases in NHS satisfaction had to come to an end at some stage, and it is not surprising this has happened when the NHS is facing a well-publicised spending squeeze.
“Nevertheless, it is something of a shock that it has fallen so significantly. This will be a concern to the Government, given it appears to be closely linked with the debate on its NHS reforms.”
NHS Confederation chief executive Mike Farrar added: “These results give us a sharp indication that the public have become worried and confused about what is going on with the NHS. It would appear very likely that much of this relates to the understanding and support for the recent reforms.
“It will be much harder to make the changes to services necessary if public perception and confidence deteriorates.”
Health minister Simon Burns responded: “The British Social Attitudes survey targets the general public rather than targeting people that have actually used the NHS, so responses are influenced by other factors. By its nature, it is not as accurate a picture as the data from patients.”
The survey has been funded by The King’s Fund since the Government stopped paying for the research.
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