BRITS are growing increasingly concerned by long NHS waiting times and workforce shortages, according to new research.
Experts at the Health Foundation revealed the public’s top priorities for the NHS are improving waiting times for routine services and increasing staff numbers.
The report – based on a poll of over 2,000 people – also found Brits are deeply concerned about the impacts of rising costs of living on the nation’s health, with 57% believing rising living costs are a high threat to the health of UK citizens.
A further 72% believe overall health and wellbeing has declined across the UK in the past 12 months.
That said, the stats show the public overwhelmingly supports the NHS, with 77% of those polled believing it is ‘crucial to British society.’
The research comes after PM Liz Truss promised to “make sure that people can get doctors appointments and the NHS services they need.”
She added: “We will put our health service on a firm footing by delivering on the economy, on energy and on the NHS.”
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Hugh Alderwick, Director of Policy at the Health Foundation, said: “It’s clear the UK public want a health service with enough staff to deliver the care they need.
“Staffing shortages are severely affecting what the health system can deliver and the public are taking notice and want additional investment to improve the situation.
“When people are overwhelmingly worried about the rising costs of living – and people are choosing between heating and eating – their health will suffer. Without immediate action, there is a risk the cost-of-living crisis becomes a health crisis.”
