NHS Satisfaction Polling
Satisfaction with the NHS has hit a record low of 24%. Track party trust, public attitudes to NHS funding, and the politics of health.
NHS Satisfaction — Record Low 24%
The 2024 British Social Attitudes survey, conducted by the King’s Fund and NatCen, found that only 24% of adults in England were satisfied with the NHS — the lowest figure since the survey began in 1983. This compared to 51% who expressed dissatisfaction.
The main drivers of dissatisfaction are waiting times (cited by 77% of dissatisfied respondents), GP access difficulties (66%), and staff shortages (58%). The survey found that dissatisfaction cuts across party lines — even a majority of Labour supporters expressed dissatisfaction with NHS performance.
For context, NHS satisfaction was at 57% as recently as 2019, before the pandemic. The drop from 57% to 24% in just five years represents the steepest decline in the survey’s history.
Key NHS polling data points — 2026
- 24% satisfied with the NHS overall — record low (King’s Fund, 2024 BSA)
- 51% dissatisfied — highest since records began
- 77% of dissatisfied cite waiting times as the main issue
- 57% of voters say the NHS needs “fundamental reform”, not just more funding
- 39% trust Labour most on the NHS — down from 49% in 2022
Satisfaction Trend 2019–2026
| Year | Satisfied % | Dissatisfied % |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 57% | 29% |
| 2020 | 53% | 32% |
| 2021 | 36% | 40% |
| 2022 | 29% | 51% |
| 2023 | 27% | 52% |
| 2024 | 24% | 51% |
Source: British Social Attitudes survey / King’s Fund. England only.
Party Trust on NHS
Most trusted party to handle the NHS. YouGov, May 2026.
What is the current NHS satisfaction rating?
The most recent King’s Fund British Social Attitudes survey (2024 data) found 24% of adults in England satisfied with the NHS — the lowest figure since the survey started in 1983. Dissatisfaction stands at 51%. Full NHS polling →
Which party do voters trust most on the NHS?
Labour retains a trust lead on the NHS at 39%, but this has fallen significantly from 49% in 2022. The Conservatives are at 14%, Lib Dems 11%, Reform UK 9%, and 21% trust none of them or are undecided.
Why has NHS satisfaction fallen so sharply?
The main factors cited by dissatisfied respondents are waiting times (77%), difficulty seeing a GP (66%), and staff shortages (58%). The pandemic backlog, workforce crisis, and funding constraints have all contributed to the steepest decline since the BSA survey began.