Background to the Research

• The chapter begins by noting that in almost all areas of health and social need, the level of relative need in Northern Ireland is higher than in England.
  
  
• A useful summary of the structure of the health service in Northern Ireland is provided.
  
  
• The chapter was written just before major changes in the NHS were implemented, for example the commissioning of health care being taken over by primary care groups, which may result in a shift in public attitudes.

Research Approach

• This chapter uses data from the 1996 Northern Ireland Social Attitudes Survey.
  
  
• 786 respondents aged 18+ were interviewed.

Main Findings

• There was a clear drop in the overall satisfaction in the way the NHS is run from 1991 to 1996 (45% to 37%). However there were continuing high levels of satisfaction for many of its component parts, for example, dentists (73%) and in-patient care (65%).
  
  
• Respondents expressed substantial criticism for non-emergency operations and hospital staffing levels, but not for medical treatment and nursing care. This is within the context of Northern Ireland has being the region in the UK with the highest percentage of people waiting more than six months for 'ordinary' and day-care admissions.
  
  
• Satisfaction with the NHS did not increase with age, while respondents in social classes I and II were more likely to express dissatisfaction.
  
  
• The proportion of respondents seeing health as a first priority for extra government spending had increased from 1991 (49%) to 1996 (63%).
  
  
• There was strong support for the provision of health and dental services on a universal basis.
  
  
• Respondents felt that they had a choice in relation to primary care, but not as much in their hospital care.
  
  
• There was little support for prioritising medical treatment on the basis of lifestyle or age.