Public confidence in the NHS has risen for the first time since 2019, according to new survey data. NHS satisfaction improved from 21% last year to 26% this year. Meanwhile, dissatisfaction fell eight points to 51%, marking the biggest drop since 1998.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting welcomed the results, calling them proof that the NHS is “on the road to recovery.” He emphasized that targeted reforms and increased investment have helped drive these early gains.
In addition, Streeting announced plans to address the five NHS trusts performing worst nationally. Leaders at these organisations face replacement by experienced healthcare managers if improvements are not achieved. Furthermore, failing trusts could merge with better-performing ones. The new NHS intensive recovery programme will begin next month to ensure swift progress.
Despite this positive trend, the public continues to face long waits for care. Only 22% are satisfied with A&E services and dentistry. GP services and hospital care fare slightly better, with satisfaction at 36% and 37%, respectively. Social care satisfaction remains low at 14%, highlighting ongoing challenges.
Moreover, delays frustrate patients across the country. Around 66% are unhappy with A&E waiting times, 63% with hospital care, and 58% with GP appointments. Only 14% express satisfaction with A&E waiting times specifically. Experts warn that these figures remain concerning despite the modest improvement.
Think tanks including the King’s Fund and Nuffield Trust described the results as “green shoots” of recovery. They also cautioned that improvements remain fragile, as public frustration with the NHS persists after 21 months of Labour government.
The government has committed to seeing 92% of patients on waiting lists treated within 18 weeks by 2029. However, public priorities remain faster GP access and quicker treatment in A&E, according to the survey. Streeting said that improvements in hospital backlogs, emergency care, and ambulance response times show the NHS can deliver results.
He added, “The NHS is on the road to recovery, but there’s still a lot of work ahead. My foot is on the accelerator.” NHS satisfaction may be rising, but patients continue to experience significant delays and frustrations.
For more updates on this news, follow London Pulse News.
