Public satisfaction with the NHS has “risen significantly” according the British Social Attitudes Survey.
Conducted by NatCen Social Research, an independent social research agency, the survey found that of all 2,000 respondants, 65% were “very” or “quite” satisfied with the NHS.
This is a 5% increase on the levels of satisfaction in 2013. Outright “dissatisfaction” is also at an all-time low of 15%.
Public satisfaction with the NHS has “risen significantly” according the British Social Attitudes Survey.
Conducted by NatCen Social Research, an independent social research agency, the survey found that of all 2,000 respondants, 65% were “very” or “quite” satisfied with the NHS.
This is a 5% increase on the levels of satisfaction in 2013. Outright “dissatisfaction” is also at an all-time low of 15%.
The analysis of the data, by The King's Fund, a health think tank, showed that GPs had the highest level of satisfaction, at 71%. However, this figure is lower than in previous years.
Satisfaction in A&E stood at 58% and at 69% in out-patient services.
John Appleby, chief economist at The King's Fund, said: "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.
"But as well as an actual increase in satisfaction, this may in part reflect a desire among the public to show support for the NHS as an institution."
Dr Mark Porter, British Medical Association chair, said:
“It is clear from this survey that patients continue to value the NHS and the hard working contribution of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. It shows that NHS staff all go the extra mile to ensure that patients are the last to suffer from the impact of the pressures on the health service.”
