• Latest British Social Attitudes survey shows fall in NHS satisfaction level to 57%
• Public dissatisfaction driven by funding and staffing level concerns
• We warn that despite continued unwavering support for the underlying principles of the NHS, the public is growing increasingly worried

The Nuffield Trust and King’s Fund have published the latest findings from NatCen’s British Social Attitudes survey on how satisfied the public are with the NHS and social care.

Although the majority of respondents report being either ‘very’ or ‘quite’ satisfied with the NHS, satisfaction levels have dropped from 63% in 2016 to 57%. Dissatisfaction now sits at 29%.

The findings suggest that public dissatisfaction is increasingly driven by concerns over funding and staffing levels.

Responding to the latest findings, the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said:

“These findings are deeply worrying. The shift in public mood has been a long time coming.

It is clear that despite continued unwavering support for the underlying principles of the NHS, the public is increasingly worried about these problems.

“We have argued forcefully that the NHS has reached a watershed moment, because despite the best efforts of trusts and frontline staff, it can no longer meet the standards of care set out in its constitution with the resources available.

“In particular we have highlighted concerns over staff shortages and a lack of funding.

“It is clear that despite continued unwavering support for the underlying principles of the NHS, the public is increasingly worried about these problems.

“It is particularly disappointing to see satisfaction slipping across all age groups just as the NHS nears its seventieth anniversary, which should be a moment of national pride and optimism for a cherished institution.

“We need to see plans put in place to ensure sustainable long term funding of health and social care, alongside steps to make sure we have a workforce that is able to meet the growing challenges – and opportunities – of providing world class care in the years ahead.”