Responding to the British Social Attitudes Survey, RCN Director for England, Patricia Marquis, said:
“This should send shockwaves through the heart of Westminster and yet the findings will come as no surprise to those working across health and care.
“When waiting lists and staff shortages top the poll of reasons for dissatisfaction it adds further evidence for the need to invest in the nursing workforce.
“We have seen efforts to cut the waiting lists through investment in beds and clinics, but we are yet to see any plans to tackle the long-standing crisis in the nursing workforce.
“As we begin our consultation with members about the latest pay offer, ministers must urgently publish the long-promised workforce plan to recruit and retain the nursing staff needed for safe patient care.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
The key findings from the British Social Attitudes Survey were as followed:
- Overall satisfaction with the NHS fell to 29 per cent – a 7 percentage point decrease from 2021. This is the lowest level of satisfaction recorded since the survey began in 1983.
- Over half (51 per cent) of respondents were dissatisfied with the NHS, the highest proportion since the survey began.
- The fall in satisfaction was seen across all ages, income groups, sexes and supporters of different political parties.
