Around 8 in 10 Britons concerned about having to wait on a trolley at A&E
When asked what words they think of when they think of the NHS, “long waiting times”, “understaffed”, and “delays” are the most common responses.
A recent Ipsos survey has revealed that the British public hold a mixed view of the National Health Service (NHS), with a significant proportion expressing concern over its current state, while also acknowledging the value of the health service.
- Widespread sadness and anger about the state of the NHS: When asked about the current state of the NHS, four in five (81%) Britons say that it makes them sad, and seven in ten (71%) say that it makes them angry.
- However, significant acknowledgement of its value: Around three in five (58%) of Britons say that the NHS provides a high standard of care to patients, and half (47%) say that it offers taxpayers good value for money.
- Concerns about being treated on trollies: Nearly eight in ten (78%) Britons are concerned about having to wait on a trolley in a corridor at A&E. Three in four (74%) are concerned about the response times of ambulances in their local area, and seven in ten (70%) are concerned about being able to access care at their local GP surgery.
- Impact on healthcare-seeking behaviour: The survey highlighted that these concerns are not merely abstract anxieties but could translate into tangible actions. Two in five (40%) who are concerned about A&E capacity admitted they would be less inclined to seek emergency care if needed. Similarly, among those worried about ambulance response times, over half (58%) indicated a greater likelihood of opting for alternative transportation to reach hospitals during emergencies.
- Long waiting times remain a top concern: When asked about their immediate associations with the NHS, "long waiting times" emerged as the most prevalent response (57%), closely followed by "understaffed" (51%) and “delays” (27%). “High quality of care” is the most commonly cited positive attribute at 24%.
Anna Quigley, Research Director at Ipsos Public Affairs said:
Our latest research demonstrates the conflict in public attitudes towards the NHS. While the public are clearly worried about critical issues such as A&E waiting times and ambulance response times, a significant proportion still believe the NHS offers good value for money and provides a high standard of care for patients. This suggests an underlying appreciation for the core principles of the NHS, even as anxieties around its ability to deliver on its promises grow. Reassuring the public about the state of the NHS will be challenging but must be a priority.
Technical note:
- Ipsos interviewed a representative sample of 1,087 online British adults aged 18-75. Interviews were conducted between 3rd-5th February 2025.
- Data are weighted to match the profile of the population. All polls are subject to a wide range of potential sources of error.
