Patient Experience Survey: May 2026

Summary

Every year the Patients Association hears from patients about their experience of the NHS. Behind every statistic in this report is a person, with a delayed diagnosis, a cancelled procedure or a medical appointment where nobody asked the patient what mattered. 

This survey was conducted in early 2026 with 807 patient respondents, providing evidence drawn from their experiences. It does so at a significant moment. The government’s 10 Year Health Plan for England, and more recently the NHS Modernisation Bill, commits to putting patient choice, voice, and feedback at the heart of how quality is defined and measured.  

Content

Key findings 

• Three quarters (75%) said delays worsened their physical health.
• 74% said delays negatively affected their quality of life.
• 69% of patients were never asked what matters to them during their NHS care.
• Just 17% said their priorities were listened to and acted upon.
• More than half of respondents (57%) struggled to access both GP and hospital appointments.
• Only 41% felt like an equal partner in decisions about their care.
• Half of patients felt their care was poorly co-ordinated.