Public support for the government’s management of the NHS in England has plummeted to a new low in 20 years, according to a survey.
Only 8% of those surveyed thought the government had appropriate plans for the NHS; the previous low was 22% in 2006.
The survey, from Ipsos and the Health Foundation, revealed those in Scotland and Wales had more confidence in their devolved governments’ policies, at 28% and 19% respectively.
The November poll of 2,063 UK adults revealed more concerning statistics, with only a third agreeing the NHS was providing a good service nationally, and 82% thought more funding was necessary.
Senior policy fellow Tim Gardner said: “These findings should be ringing alarm bells in Number 10.
“This is a very low level of public confidence in the government’s handling of the health service and it’s quite clear that people are very concerned at the current state of the health service.”
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62% thought the standard of NHS care would fall over the next 12 months – up from 39% in May 2022.
Mr Gardner added people weren’t taking a swipe at the service itself or its staff, instead looking to the government for a credible recovery plan to improve the NHS.
Tackling pressure and the workload of staff accompanied by increasing staff numbers were the main priorities for the NHS, according to the poll.
Improving waiting times for A&E and routine services were also priorities.
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The November survey came before the winter pressures on the NHS and widespread strikes from nurses in January.
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When asked if the winter crises could lead to public opinion falling even further Mr Gardner said: “I don’t know. It is entirely possible it has fallen further.”
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We’re building a sustainable NHS with patients at its centre – backed by up to £14.1 billion for health and social care over the next two years, on top of record funding.
“Our urgent and emergency care recovery plan seeks to cut waiting lists, whilst reducing pressure on hospitals by scaling up community teams, expanding virtual wards, and getting 800 new ambulances on the road – on top of £750m to speed up hospital discharge and free up beds this winter.
“At the same time, we are continuing to grow the NHS workforce – there are record numbers of doctors and nurses working in the NHS and we will publish a comprehensive workforce plan to help recruit and retain more NHS staff.”
