An increase in public satisfaction between 2024 and 2025 is undoubtedly good news, and will be hugely welcome both for leaders and for a workforce that has faced significant and sustained challenge. But the headline rate of satisfaction remains extremely low – only one in four are ‘very’ or ‘quite’ satisfied with how the NHS is run – and this shows just how much work there remains to be done to restore public confidence. 

The government has set out ambitious goals for reform of the NHS, but these results – alongside recent data showing declines in staff engagement – demonstrate the demand for substantial, rapid change. Patient and staff perspectives need to be at the heart of this to ensure that the future NHS is person centred. 

The BSA results also show that public support for the founding principles of the NHS remains strong. But there are some signs of cracks developing, with support for the NHS being ‘accessible’ to all varying by political affiliation. There are also concerns about equality and equity, with some groups – including younger people – reporting markedly lower satisfaction compared to others. 

These results, and the findings from our recently published ‘State of Person Centred Care 2025’ report, show that there is an urgent need to turn the blueprints for an NHS that is ‘fit for the future’ into tangible results.