15 May 2026
The Patients Association has published its latest Patient Experience report, highlighting how people are experiencing care across the NHS.
The findings paint a clear picture: despite political momentum around NHS reform, the day-to-day reality for patients has not improved. From 807 patients sharing their experience over the past six months:
- 69% said their priorities, goals and preferences were not discussed in their care.
- 41% felt there was genuine partnership in decision-making.
- 52% reported that their care was not well co-ordinated.
- 41% faced a very long wait for appointments.
- 57% experienced issues in GP and hospital services, which ties in with our recent report in partnership with RCGP
- 24% said they paid for private care because they could not access NHS services.
The report reflects ongoing challenges around what matters to patients, access, use of technology, and delays, and highlights the real impact on patients: from spending time chasing appointments to repeatedly explaining their situation to different professionals.
The Patient Association is keen to share these insights with organisations like yours and explore we can collectively strengthen patient experience and partnership in care.
The full report is available here.
