More people confident about NHS services

More people are feeling confident about using NHS care in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, a new poll suggests.

At the height of the crisis many people expressed concern over using services - which has been attributed to the reduction in the number of people seeking care, even in urgent circumstances.

A new survey from the Health Foundation think tank found that 77% of people reporting they would be comfortable using a hospital - an increase from 52% in May.

But the poll of 2,200 Britons found disparities among different groups.

One in four people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds and 34% of people with a disability said they would feel uncomfortable about using their local hospital, compared with 22% overall.

Overall, 89% of people feel more confident about using local GP services – with just 10% saying they would feel uncomfortable, down from 20% in May.

Tim Gardner, senior policy fellow at the Health Foundation, said: "Whilst it is reassuring to see that the public's confidence in using NHS services is returning, a significant number of people remain uneasy about accessing vital health care services.

"The fact that people with a disability and those from black and minority ethnic backgrounds are more likely to feel uncomfortable about using their local hospital, for example, is of particular concern.

"If people are unwell and need treatment, it is important they feel confident enough and receive the right support to access local health care services.

"Otherwise we risk people with potentially serious conditions going without necessary treatment."