Public Dissatisfaction With NHS Grows

Public dissatisfaction with the NHS is growing, according to a new independent opinion poll^*1. Almost as many people believe the Labour Government is responsible for the current state of the NHS as believe the Conservative Government is.

The poll, undertaken by MORI for the BMA, involved questioning more than 2,000 people throughout Great Britain between November 23 and 28.

The findings show that the proportion of people very or fairly dissatisfied with the NHS rose from 17 per cent in January 1998 to 28 per cent last month, while those satisfied with the service fell from 72 to 58 per cent. Only 13 per cent said they were 'very satisfied' with the NHS, down from 24 per cent. A massive 94 per cent said that the NHS was in need of much or some improvement^*2.

When asked who or what was most responsible for the current state of the NHS, 44 per cent of the unprompted replies referred to 'the Government', 20 per cent to the Conservative Government and 11 per cent to the Labour Government.

Sixteen per cent replied that NHS managers or people running hospitals were responsible, while only two per cent said doctors and one per cent said doctors going into private healthcare.

When prompted, 51 per cent replied the Conservative Government, 48 per cent the Labour Government, 46 per cent NHS managers and nine per cent doctors. Forty per cent said people abusing the service.

Commenting on the results, Dr Ian Bogle, chairman of the BMA, said: "The message from the public is clear. Despite increased spending on the NHS, politicians in this government and the last have failed to fulfil the public's expectations. Although doctors are working hard and doing their best in difficult circumstances, their dedication is not enough."

"The NHS Plan does promise a welcome step in the right direction with its promise of greatly increased funding. We intend to work with the Government to try to achieve many of the aspirations in the document. But the reality is that Britain needs increased recruitment of doctors and that will require continued, sustained investment."

• ^*1 This trend question compares results of all adults aged 18+
• ^*2 47 per cent said much improvement and 47 per cent said some improvement

MORI interviewed a representative quota sample of 2,033 adults aged 15+ in 195 sampling points in Great Britain from 23-28 November 2000. All interviews were conducted face-to-face in the home, and the data have been weighted to the known profile of the British population. For Q1 on satisfaction with the NHS, results have been based on adults aged 18+, to enable comparisons with MORI's 50th NHS anniversary poll for BBC Regional Broadcasting, conducted from 2-21 January 1998.

• 2,033 adults aged 15+ (of which, 1,972 adults aged 18+ used for analysis at q1)
• Interviewed face-to-face, in-home
• Between 23 -28 november 2000
• 195 sampling points throughout Great Britain
• An asterisk (*) indicates a percentage of less than 0.5% but greater than zero
• Data have been weighted to reflect the national profile
• Base all, unless stated otherwise

Q1 Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the NHS? Would you say you are...

Q2 Thinking now about the NHS, which, if any, of the categories on this card most closely describes your view about the NHS? Just read out the letter or letters.

Q3 Who, or what do you feel is most responsible for the current state of the NHS?

Q4 And using this card which, if any, of the following do you feel is responsible for the current state of the NHS? You may choose as many or as few as you like. Please include any that you mentioned at the previous question. Just read out the letter or letters.