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Recent research reveals a troubling trend among the British public, with almost half of adults choosing to delay or entirely forgo contacting their GP when feeling unwell. This reluctance largely stems from a pervasive belief that securing an appointment will be a challenging endeavour. A survey conducted by Ipsos for the Health Foundation think tank highlights these alarming sentiments, raising significant concerns about the accessibility of essential NHS services.
A Culture of Self-Reliance
The survey found that 48% of respondents opted not to consult their family doctor over the past year, either waiting for their symptoms to improve on their own or trying to manage their health issues independently. Of those surveyed, a notable 27% reported self-treating rather than seeking professional medical advice. Doctors express serious concerns over this trend, warning that neglecting GP care could lead to worsening health conditions.
This reluctance to engage with healthcare services underscores a growing anxiety regarding the NHS’s capacity to provide timely care. Many respondents indicated that they believe accessing vital services such as A&E, GP consultations, and ambulance response times is becoming increasingly difficult.
Public Sentiment on NHS Accessibility
The Ipsos survey, which included responses from 2,214 adults, revealed that significant numbers of people are not optimistic about their ability to receive timely medical care. Approximately 30% of participants did not anticipate being offered an appointment at a convenient time, while 17% felt that contacting their GP practice would pose significant challenges.
Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, chair of the Royal College of GPs, expressed her concern over these findings. “General practice serves as the front door of the health service, and all patients should be able to see their GP when they need to. It is worrying to hear that some might be delaying or avoiding seeking care because they think getting an appointment will be difficult,” she stated.
A&E Visits on the Decline
Compounding the issue, another survey conducted by Savanta for the Liberal Democrats revealed that one-third of Britons have chosen not to visit A&E in the past two years despite requiring treatment. The anticipated long wait times were a significant deterrent for many, further illustrating the public’s waning confidence in the NHS’s ability to deliver timely care.
Helen Maguire, a spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, lamented the situation, saying, “Patients deserve so much better. It is heartbreaking to think of elderly people or parents with sick children sitting at home in pain because they have lost faith that the system will be there for them.”
A Call for Reassessment
The Health Foundation has called for urgent attention to these survey results, suggesting that they serve as a “wake-up call” for policymakers. The think tank warned that ongoing issues with general practice and A&E services—the NHS’s primary access points—should prompt a reassessment of priorities in healthcare delivery.
The Ipsos findings also revealed that only 32% of individuals believe the NHS is providing a good service, while 42% perceive a decline in care quality over the past year. Alarmingly, 47% of respondents fear that NHS services will deteriorate further in the coming year, with only 15% optimistic about improvements.
As the government seeks to implement changes to the healthcare system, including a shift towards community-based care, these public sentiments must be addressed. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has introduced a new GP contract for 2025-26, which mandates that practices accommodate all patients with urgent medical needs on the same day they contact the service. However, there are concerns that such expectations may be unrealistic, especially without adequate negotiation with the British Medical Association.
Dr. Katie Bramall, chair of the BMA’s GP committee, expressed her apprehension about the potential implications of this contract, highlighting the risk of setting unattainable expectations for doctors while they strive to maintain operational integrity amid mounting pressures.
Why it Matters
The findings of this survey reflect a growing crisis of confidence in the NHS, as many individuals feel compelled to manage their health concerns without professional guidance. This trend not only poses risks to individual health outcomes but also signifies a larger systemic issue that could undermine the very foundation of the NHS. As the government moves forward with its healthcare reforms, it must prioritise addressing these concerns to restore public trust and ensure that all citizens have access to the timely care they deserve.
