NHS staff remain pessimistic about the condition of the health service, with most describing the NHS as weak and expressing limited confidence that government policies will improve care delivery or future preparedness, according to new Spring 2026 survey findings.
Survey Captures NHS Staff Sentiment in 2026
The survey explored how NHS staff currently view the health service, government handling of healthcare, and long-term reform needs. The findings come nearly two years after Labour entered government with NHS waiting times identified as a major political priority. Researchers examined whether perspectives among NHS staff had shifted since previous healthcare worker surveys conducted in early 2025.
National Poll Assessed NHS Staff Views on Performance
The Spring 2026 survey evaluated perceptions among NHS staff regarding service quality, preparedness, workforce pressures, and government performance. Researchers collected responses from healthcare workers across the NHS and compared several measures with findings from February 2025. The survey included perceptions of NHS strength, confidence in future improvement, ratings of government management, and preparedness for another pandemic. The analysis also assessed perceived causes of NHS pressures and views on structural reform, and attitudes toward Health Secretary Wes Streeting and anticipated effects of Labour healthcare policies.
NHS Staff Report Low Confidence in Improvement
Overall, 87% of NHS staff described the NHS as being in a weak state, compared with 10% who considered it strong. Meanwhile, 66% believed the government was handling the NHS badly, representing a 13-point increase since February 2025, while only 24% felt Labour was managing the NHS well. Just 25% of NHS staff expected government policies to improve the NHS, whereas 40% believed policies would worsen conditions and 28% anticipated little effect either way.
Wes Streeting received negative ratings from 53% of healthcare workers, compared with 22% reporting positive views. Only 22% believed the NHS was well prepared for another pandemic. Regarding service pressures, 46%–48% identified increasing demand and insufficient funding as major contributors to NHS problems, while 43% cited staff shortages and 35% highlighted poor management.
Calls for Reform and Long-Term Workforce Support
The findings suggest NHS staff continue to perceive substantial operational and structural pressures within the health service. Researchers noted that 46% of respondents supported major structural changes, while 47% favoured significant reforms in selected areas. The survey highlights ongoing concerns regarding workforce capacity, funding pressures, and healthcare resilience.
Reference
YouGov. How do healthcare workers feel about the NHS, Spring 2026?. 2026. Available at: https://yougov.com/en-gb/articles/54756-how-do-healthcare-workers-feel-about-the-nhs-spring-2026. Last accessed: 19 May 2026.
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