Patients Association responds to rising dissatisfaction with the NHS

27 Jun 2017 09:37 AM

The Patients Association has responded with concern to the findings of the BMA’s latest survey of public opinion on the NHS.

John Kell, Head of Policy at the Patients Association, said: “After months of alarming media reports about the pressures facing the NHS, many of them well justified, it’s not surprising that there is growing worry among the public. It’s a particularly sad day when dissatisfaction with the NHS outweighs satisfaction. We’ve been saying for some time that whether we fund the NHS adequately or not is a political choice – the Government must now face up to that choice, and be candid with the public and patients about its decisions.”

The Patients Association has been calling for the 2015 spending review settlement for health and social care to be revisited, and for spending to be raised to the sorts of levels recommended by the independent Barker Commission and the Office for Budgetary Responsibility.

Ahead of the general election, the Association also called for the transformation of health and social care services under the Five Year Forward View to be continued, but with proper funding and more comprehensive engagement of patients in redesigning services.

Notes to editors:

The Patients Association’s response to the general election result can be read here.
The Patients Association’s recommendations ahead of the general election can be read here.
The Patients Association’s recommendations ahead of the Budget can be read here.
The Office for Budgetary Responsibility’s forecast of future spending requirements can be read here.
The report of the Barker Commission can be read here.