50% of the public avoid contacting their GP because of access challenges, according to recent survey

March 2026

A recent survey examining public attitudes toward the NHS reveals that nearly half (48%) of respondents did not contact their GP in the past 12 months, despite having health concerns, primarily due to perceived barriers to accessing GP services. Furthermore, most UK adults indicated that they would be open to consulting a healthcare professional appropriate to their needs.

The Health Foundation/Ipsos survey, conducted from December 4 to 10, 2025, sampled 2,214 UK adults as part of an ongoing assessment of public opinion regarding various aspects of the NHS. As was the case in previous years, these latest results show that many patients still face ongoing issues with GP access.

Among those who chose not to contact their GP, nearly a third (30%) felt they wouldn’t be offered a suitable appointment, while a sixth (17%) believed it would be too difficult to contact their practice. Furthermore, more than one in ten (14%) thought they would not be taken seriously, and over a quarter (27%) opted to manage their health concerns on their own or to wait for them to resolve naturally. The tendency to delay or avoid contacting a GP was particularly prominent among individuals with health conditions or disabilities (60%), those aged 35–44 (58%), and women (56%).

When asked about their most important priorities when engaging with their GP practice, the survey found that the ability to have a face-to-face appointment was the top consideration (62%). This was followed by the desire to get an appointment as quickly as possible (60%) and having a face-to-face consultation with a GP (48%).

Respondents were then asked if they would be willing to see another healthcare professional, such as a practice nurse or pharmacist, instead of a GP when appropriate. Two-thirds (66%) of the public expressed willingness to do so, especially those in Scotland and those living in rural areas (80% and 75%, respectively).

Tim Gardner, Assistant Director of Policy at the Health Foundation, says: “These findings reflect the tough choices facing policymakers in turning around a struggling health service. The government has pledged to shift care from hospital to community, yet this will only happen with strong foundations in general practice, which needs investment and reform”.