Chapter summary: NHS

Trends in dissatisfaction and attitudes to funding

This chapter explores levels of dissatisfaction with the NHS and how this has changed 
over time and in relation to trends in NHS funding.

It examines new data identifying the reasons for NHS dissatisfaction and satisfaction.

The link between dissatisfaction and NHS funding appears to be weaker than in the past, and the chapter considers how far attitudes to NHS funding may be driving dissatisfaction and if those who are dissatisfied are more supportive of particular solutions to the perceived funding problem.

Low levels of dissatisfaction 

Levels of dissatisfaction with the NHS are comparatively low and remain relatively stable, despite reductions in funding since 2010.

• 23% are dissatisfied with the NHS. This proportion declined from 50% in 1997 and levelled off between 2010 and 2015.
• 16% are dissatisfied with GPs, 18% with dentists and 33% with social care.

Dissatisfaction with the NHS linked to views on NHS funding 

Many of the reasons people are dissatisfied with the NHS relate to the resources it has available and those who are dissatisfied are more likely to think the NHS is facing a “severe” funding problem – yet they are no more likely to favour policy options directed at addressing this problem.

• 84% of those who are dissatisfied select a reason for this which relates to resources.
• 45% of those who are dissatisfied think the NHS has a “severe” funding problem compared with just 26% of those who are satisfied.

Similar proportions of those who are dissatisfied and satisfied would be willing to pay more directly for the NHS through a separate tax; however 11% of those who are dissatisfied are prepared to pay more through the current taxes they pay, compared with 19% of those who are satisfied.

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