Public satisfaction in the NHS falls dramatically

Public satisfaction in the NHS has fallen dramatically, according to a report. Satisfaction with the way the NHS runs fell from 70% in 2010 to 58% in 2011, the British Social Attitudes 2011 survey found.

Authors of the report, published by the King's Fund, said the drop was the biggest fall in one year since the survey began in 1983.

The study, which questioned 1,096 people about their views on health care between July and November last year, found that satisfaction with GPs dropped slightly from 77% in 2010 to 73% in 2011.

It also found slight drops in satisfaction with inpatient, outpatient and accident and emergency services.

Satisfaction with NHS dental services improved by five percentage points - from 51% in 2010 to 56% in 2011.