The RCP has responded to new findings from the British Social Attitudes survey, published by the Nuffield Trust and The King’s Fund, showing that public satisfaction with the NHS has fallen to the lowest level ever recorded.
Responding to the findings, Dr Sarah Clarke, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), said: “The public's dissatisfaction with the NHS is symptomatic of a health service stretched to its limits. It’s sadly no surprise that staff shortages are one of the leading reasons for this discontent.
“The RCP has long called for a doubling of medical school places. NHS England has said that this target is on track to be met - we must see continued transparency on the delivery of this commitment.
“NHS staff are working incredibly hard under extreme pressure. It is vital that future investment in the NHS not only goes towards training more staff to meet demand, but also to providing current staff with the support, training and resource they need to retain them and provide the excellent care the NHS is renowned for.”