Polling Indicates UK Public Ready for Serious NHS Overhaul
New polling from the Prosperity Institute reveals a significant shift in public sentiment toward the National Health Service. Britons are increasingly frustrated with the status quo, demanding structural reforms rather than simply more funding. The data shows that nearly half of respondents view healthcare as one of the top three issues facing Britain today, alongside the economy and immigration.
Public Frustration with Current NHS Model
The findings highlight that 59% of respondents believe the government should prioritize NHS reform over additional spending. This comes as public spending on the NHS has surged by 50% since 2012, now accounting for 11% of GDP and reaching £187 billion annually. Despite this, waiting lists remain near record highs, and private healthcare spending hit £46 billion in 2024. A striking 45% of Brits deem the current NHS model untenable, signaling a loss of faith in traditional approaches.
Mismanagement Outweighs Funding Concerns
Public opinion now identifies mismanagement as a greater issue than funding shortages. For instance, when asked about causes of maternity scandals, only 25% blamed funding, while nearly 50% pointed to management failures. This shift underscores a growing demand for accountability, with voters questioning how existing funds are utilized rather than simply calling for more money.
Immigration's Strain on NHS Services
The polling also sheds light on public attitudes toward immigration and the NHS. 49% of respondents see immigration as a net burden on the health service, compared to just 22% who disagree. Notably, 65% of respondents, including a majority of Labour voters, believe British doctors should take precedence over foreign ones. This sentiment aligns with data showing the proportion of NHS staff born abroad has doubled since 2010, reaching 21% in 2025, highlighting a reliance on foreign workers as a policy choice.
Trust in Frontline Staff vs. Management
While public trust in NHS management is low at 31%, frontline staff enjoy high confidence, with 82% trusting doctors and surgeons and 80% trusting nurses. This contrast emphasizes a belief in the core principles of the NHS but dissatisfaction with its administrative leadership.
Openness to International Models
Brits show willingness to adopt best practices from countries like Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Germany, which use mixed healthcare models combining universal access with insurance and independent providers. The US model was broadly rejected, with a net rating of -22%, indicating a commitment to universal healthcare while being open to structural improvements.
Key Public Priorities for Reform
Voters' top demands include maintaining free healthcare at the point of use, increasing doctor and nurse numbers, and improving outcomes for conditions like cancer. Only 2% prioritized concerns about US companies buying NHS assets. Additionally, 67% support giving hospitals more independence to meet local needs, and nearly two-thirds would consider private healthcare if affordable.
Call for Political Action
With 61% of respondents agreeing that politicians "getting a grip" on NHS issues would improve their view, and 52% believing the NHS will cease to exist without reform, the public is clearly pleading for decisive leadership. This polling presents an opportunity for political parties to move beyond rhetoric and implement meaningful changes that address inefficiencies and restore public trust in the health service.
