We are told quite frequently that this Government is proud of the NHS. The publication of the British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey on 13 December should therefore see its chest bursting with pride and congratulatory press releases churning out of the machine.
The BSA found that the proportion of people satisfied with the NHS had gone up from 34% in 1997 to a record high of 64% when the latest polling was carried out in 2009.
In 1997 50% were either “quite” or “very” dissatisfied with the NHS – now it is 19%.
Even amongst Conservative voters the satisfaction increased to 61% in 2009.
As the report says:
“Increased satisfaction partly reflects the fact that people recognise and value the improvements that have taken place within the NHS, particularly in relationship to waiting times”
This looks like a real and significant shift in what millions of people think about the NHS and may well signal a step change in their opinion.
Next year there will be a further report on what people felt this year – in 2010 – and from 2012 the report will start to reflect what the public think about the current Government’s reforms.
This is the political gamble for the Government. Starting with record levels of satisfaction which they obviously plan to increase through their reforms.
In December 2012 we will see what the public feel as the reforms start. If the Parliament runs its full five year term there will be two further surveys reporting on how the reforms have improved public satisfaction with their NHS (or not).
As Sir Humphrey would say:
“Very brave, Secretary of State, very brave”