by iain
22. December 2010 13:06
Public satisfaction with the NHS is at an all time high, a report has revealed.
The British Social Attitudes study showed that two-thirds (64%) of respondents are happy with the health service.
Penny Young, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Social Research, said the coalition will have to be aware ‘to avoid a backlash’ during a period of reform.
The report, published annually for nearly 30 years, delivers the public’s views after 13 years of Labour rule.
When Tony Blair’s New Labour gained power in 1997, only a third of people (34%) said they were satisfied with the NHS – the lowest levels since the early 1980s. However, that figure has nearly doubled after new policies were introduced and millions of pounds spent on improvements.
“Record levels of investment under Labour appear to have paid off in terms of public satisfaction – particularly on health, where satisfaction levels are now at all time high,” said Penny Young. “The coalition will need to tread carefully to avoid a backlash against the potential impact of reform or failure to invest.”
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