The Health Foundation and Ipsos December 2025 survey of 2,214 people - the ninth wave of this polling series - reveals persistently negative public views of the NHS, though sentiment remains slightly less pessimistic than before the 2024 General Election.
Dissatisfaction is growing: more respondents believe NHS care standards have worsened over the past year and expect further decline. GP appointment access and A&E waiting times now jointly top public priorities, with concern about A&E rising sharply since the election. Notably, nearly half of those with a recent health concern delayed or avoided contacting their GP, suggesting significant unmet need.
Support for tax rises to sustain NHS funding, whilst still the preferred option, has declined steadily. Should budgets remain constrained, a majority favour prioritising community services, such as GPs and dentists, over hospital care.
Policymakers face pressure to address weaknesses in general practice and A&E - the NHS's critical front doors - and may need to reassess priorities if public confidence is to be restored.
