General practice has the highest public satisfaction rate of all NHS services, a survey published by the King's Fund has found.
The survey, British Social Attitudes Survey 2014, found that 65 per cent of respondents were happy with the way NHS services operated in 2014, compared to 60 per cent in 2013. Dissatisfaction also fell to a record low of 15 per cent.
Dr Mark Porter, the BMA's chair of council, said: 'It is clear from this survey that patients continue to value the NHS and the hard working contribution of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. This survey shows that NHS staff all go the extra mile to ensure that patients are the last to suffer from the impact of the pressures on the health service.'
For general practice, 71 per cent of respondents said they were satisfied, making it the highest scoring NHS service. However, this is also the lowest score for general practice since the survey began in 1983. Social care was the lowest rated service, with 31 per cent of survey respondents reporting they were satisfied, compared to 30 per cent dissatisfaction.
Dr Porter added: 'The satisfaction rates for GP services remain the highest of any other part of the NHS, but any government should be concerned that overall rates are slipping under their watch. GPs are working harder than ever before, but they simply do not have enough staff, funding and suitable facilities to deliver the services and care that all GPs want to see.'
Rob Webster, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: 'We know these satisfaction ratings are a testament to our members and their committed staff who provide high quality services and leadership in tough times. Maintaining and improving satisfaction will be important as we embark on changes to services, whichever party comes to power, and we must continue to support NHS staff through these times.'