76% of Brits say NHS hasn't recovered from Covid

A recent survey shows that many people in the UK still feel the NHS has not fully recovered from the effects of Covid-19, five years after the pandemic began. Three out of four respondents believe the health service is still struggling. The survey included over 15,000 participants, with about 4,600 being Express readers. Waiting lists for treatments reached historic highs during the pandemic when the NHS shifted focus to combatting the virus. Just 8% of respondents think the NHS has recovered, while 76% disagree. Many feel that long waiting times and cancellations have left patients feeling abandoned. The survey also revealed mixed opinions about lockdowns. While 61% support their use during the pandemic, 58% feel they should not be imposed again in the future. People expressed varying views on school closures, with a narrow majority believing schools should have stayed open. Emotions during lockdown included feelings of isolation, anxiety, and anger. A significant number of people, 45%, worry about the possibility of another pandemic. Although the NHS waiting list for non-urgent treatments has decreased slightly, it remains high at 7.43 million. Experts agree with the public's sentiment that the NHS still faces many challenges. They point to years of underfunding and staffing issues as reasons for a slow recovery. Nevertheless, NHS officials highlight innovations introduced during the pandemic that may help improve services in the long run. Overall, the survey indicates widespread concern about the NHS and the long-lasting impacts of the pandemic on public health.