Public dissatisfaction with the National Health Service is growing, according to a recent opinion poll commissioned by the British Medical Association.
The poll found 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 per cent to 58 per cent. Only 13 per cent said they were very satisfied with the NHS, down from 24 per cent. Most people (94 per cent) said that the NHS was in need of much improvement or some improvement.
When asked who or what was most responsible for the current state of the NHS, 44 per cent of unprompted replies referred to the Government, 20 per cent to the Conservatives and 11 per cent to the Labour Government. Sixteen per cent said that NHS managers or people running hospitals were responsible. When prompted, 51 per cent blamed the previous Conservative government, 48 per cent the Labour Government, 46 per cent NHS managers and 9 per cent doctors.
Commenting on the results, Dr Ian Bogle (chairman, 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.
The poll was conducted among 2,033 adults from around Britain between November 23 and 28.