A recent survey has unveiled a troubling reality for the National Health Service (NHS), with nearly half of Britons opting to avoid seeking help from their general practitioners (GPs) when unwell. This pervasive hesitance stems largely from fears surrounding appointment availability, prompting many to self-manage their health issues instead. The findings highlight a significant erosion of public trust in the NHS, raising critical questions about access to healthcare.
High Levels of Hesitation to Seek GP Care
The survey, conducted by Ipsos for the Health Foundation, revealed that 48% of respondents chose not to contact their GP practice when they fell ill over the past year. This avoidance is often rooted in the belief that securing an appointment would be a challenge. Alarmingly, more than a quarter (27%) opted to either manage their ailments independently or waited for symptoms to subside without professional intervention. Health experts warn that this trend could have serious implications for individual health outcomes.
Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, chair of the Royal College of GPs, expressed her concern, stating, “General practice is the front door of the health service, and all patients should be able to see their GP when they need to. So it is worrying to hear that some might be delaying or avoiding seeking care because they think getting an appointment will be difficult.”
A&E Visits Also Decline Amidst Appointment Fears
Compounding the issue, a separate poll conducted by Savanta for the Liberal Democrats found that approximately one-third of the British public refrained from visiting Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments in the past two years, despite needing treatment. The primary reason cited was the anticipation of lengthy wait times. This trend further underscores the growing anxiety surrounding access to urgent medical care.
Helen Maguire, the health spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, lamented the situation, stating, “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.”
Public Sentiment Towards NHS Services
The Ipsos survey, which included 2,214 adults and was conducted in December, painted a grim picture of public sentiment towards the NHS. Only 32% of respondents believe that the NHS is providing a good service on a national level. Furthermore, 42% feel that the quality of NHS care has deteriorated over the past year, while only 12% believe it has improved. Alarmingly, nearly half of the respondents (47%) fear that NHS care will decline further in the coming year.
These figures present a significant challenge for health officials, including England’s Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, who faces increasing public scrutiny regarding government policies aimed at revitalising the health service. A staggering 54% of respondents expressed disagreement with the notion that their respective governments are implementing the right strategies to enhance NHS services.
Response from Health Authorities and Future Plans
In response to these findings, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has introduced a new GP contract for the 2025-26 period. This contract mandates that GP practices must see all patients with urgent medical needs on the same day they reach out for help. Additionally, the government has allocated £300 million to facilitate the hiring of 1,600 new doctors in an attempt to bolster GP services.
However, Dr Katie Bramall, chair of the British Medical Association’s GP committee, raised concerns about the feasibility of these measures. She stated, “Hard-working family doctors will be deeply concerned about setting up even more unrealistic expectations of unlimited same-day urgent care provision alongside potential barriers being put in place around specialist referrals, all while trying to keep practices open and prevent even more surgery closures.”
Dr Bramall also criticised Streeting for not involving the BMA in negotiations regarding the new contract, a departure from previous practices that could hinder meaningful collaboration.
Why it Matters
The findings of this survey reflect a profound crisis in public confidence regarding the NHS, an institution that has long been a cornerstone of British society. The hesitance to seek medical attention, coupled with fears of inadequate service, poses a significant risk to public health. As the government implements new strategies to transform healthcare delivery, addressing these concerns is paramount. The health of the nation may depend on restoring trust in the NHS and ensuring that every individual feels empowered to seek the medical care they need without hesitation.
