Public satisfaction with the NHS and social care in 2025: RCS England response

Responding to the Public satisfaction with the NHS and social care in 2025 report from The King’s Fund and Nuffield Trust, Mr Tim Mitchell, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England), said: 

“For 45% of respondents, improving waiting times for planned operations remains a top priority – a clear sign patients are still waiting too long for the care they need. Tackling these delays must start with expanding surgical capacity: increasing access to operating theatres and investing in the hospital infrastructure that is required to treat more patients.  

“The public is equally clear on staffing. With 43% saying that increasing the number of NHS staff should be a priority, and only 12% believing current numbers are sufficient, the message to Government is unmistakable.     

“To rebuild trust, the forthcoming 10-Year Workforce Plan must be grounded in clear, transparent and evidence-based staffing projections. Without credible numbers, we cannot measure progress or hold the system to account. Patients, and the staff that care for them, need a plan that shows exactly how the NHS will train, recruit and retain the surgical workforce for the future.” 

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. The Royal College of Surgeons of England provides world-class education, assessment, and development to 30,000 surgeons, dental professionals, and members of the wider surgical and dental care teams, at all stages of their careers. Our vision is to see excellent surgical care for everyone. We do this by setting professional standards, facilitating research and championing the best outcomes for patients.        
2. For more information, please contact the RCS England press office: telephone: 020 7869 6054/6053/6060; email: pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk; out-of-hours media enquiries: 0207 869 6056.