NHS satisfaction 'risen significantly'

Public satisfaction with the NHS has "risen significantly", according to analysis of the influential British Social Attitudes survey.

Of nearly 2,000 people surveyed, 65% were "very" or "quite" satisfied with the NHS.

It is the second highest recorded level, and outright "dissatisfaction" is at an all-time low of 15%.

A BBC/Populus poll this week suggested the NHS was the most important issue ahead of the general election, in May.

The British Social Attitudes survey, conducted by NatCen Social Research, took place in the autumn, well before the widely reported problems in A&E this winter.

It showed public satisfaction at 65% compared with 60% in 2013.

The analysis of the data, by the King's Fund health think tank, showed:

• GPs had the highest level of satisfaction, although the figure of 71% is the lowest recorded
• Satisfaction in A&E stood at 58% and at 69% in out-patient services
• With dentists the figure was 54%
• Meanwhile, just 31% were happy with social care services

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