According to analysis of the influential British Social Attitudes survey, the public satisfaction with the National Health Service (NHS) has risen significantly.

The survey revealed that out of nearly 2,000 people surveyed, 65% of them were very or quite satisfied with the NHS. The satisfaction level is the second highest record level, and on the other hand the dissatisfaction is at the all- time low of 15%.

Also, a BBC/Populus poll in this week suggested that NHS was the most important issue ahead of the general election, in May.

The British Social Attitudes survey was conducted by NatCen Social Research, and took place in the autumn, before the widely reported problem in A&E this winter.

The survey showed that the overall satisfaction had plummeted from 70% in 2010 to 58% in 2011. That fall coincided with the controversy over reforms in England.

John Appleby, the chief economist at the King's Fund, said, "Public satisfaction with the NHS is high and has risen significantly, despite a year in which the service hit the headlines for financial pressures and difficulties with A&E waiting times".

But an actual increase in the satisfaction level might reflect a desire among the public to show the support for the NHS as an institution, said Appleby.

The survey showed a wide split in satisfaction between England, Wales and Scotland. Wales was at the bottom with merely half of people i. e. 51% either very or quite satisfied. On the other hand, the level was 65% and 75% in England and Scotland respectively.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt commenting on the findings said he welcomes the findings, which show that public satisfaction with the NHS jumped 5% point and levels of dissatisfaction are now at a record low.

Hunt said these findings are a tribute to hardworking NHS staff, who by their generous efforts ensure that patients are receiving a world-class service.