PUBLIC satisfaction with the NHS has fallen to its lowest level in 25 years, a new survey reveals, prompting campaigners to blame Tory austerity.

The British Social Attitudes Survey (BSA), published today by the King’s Fund and the Nuffield Trust, shows that staff shortages, long waiting times and poor government funding were the top reasons given for the sharp decline in satisfaction with the health service. 

However, public support for its founding principles — free universal care, paid for largely through taxation — is stronger than ever, the research found.