The Health Foundation has published the findings of its second survey in its programme of public perceptions research: ‘Public perceptions of health and social care, What the new government should know.’ Whilst it reveals that the British public is pessimistic about the state of the NHS, it also confirms very strong support for the NHS as an institution.
The public wants a better health service, not a departure from the NHS model. 77% of those surveyed believe: “The NHS is crucial to British society and we must do everything to maintain it.” This includes additional spending to support it, with 71% agreeing greater government investment in the NHS is necessary over and above new funds raised through the health and care levy. However, only 13% of those surveyed think the government has the right policies in place, with those in England having less confidence than those in Scotland or Wales.
The biggest concerns are around waiting times and the workforce. 38% want to see improved waiting times for routine services. Furthermore, an overwhelming majority of the British public wants to see priority given to the most urgent cases, rather than those who have waited the longest. The government’s focus is on eliminating the longest waits, although health services have been asked to stratify waiting lists by clinical urgency.
There is strong public support for a range of measures to address staffing problems, even if they require an increase in funding for the NHS that may lead to tax rises for individuals.
Net zero still lacks strong support
Awareness of and support for the NHS commitment in England to net zero carbon by 2040 has increased to 23% from just 13% in July 2021, and awareness has grown significantly among those who work in the NHS – 48% are now aware of this commitment, up from 27%.
However, only 46% of the public believe the NHS has a responsibility to reduce its impact on climate change, and only 19% think this should be a top priority for the NHS.
