Concerns major new NHS reforms to GP appointments will make no difference
The Ipsos poll, conducted for the PA news agency, also revealed that more than four in 10 respondents anticipate no improvement in A&E waiting times.
Despite this widespread scepticism, the blueprint has garnered significant support for several key proposals, including the establishment of neighbourhood health centres, the expansion of the NHS app, and increased mental health provision in educational settings.
Unveiled by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer earlier this month, the strategy aims to shift healthcare provision closer to people's homes, thereby reducing the current reliance on hospitals and emergency departments.
Central to the reforms are plans for an enhanced NHS app, designed to give patients greater control over their care, alongside new neighbourhood health centres slated to operate six days a week for at least 12 hours daily.
The plan also includes proposals for new legislation concerning food and alcohol, intended to proactively prevent ill health.
The survey, which polled 1,023 adults across Britain, specifically questioned public perceptions on how the plan would affect access to GP services, A&E waiting times, and routine hospital treatment.
Some 35 per cent said the plan will have no impact on getting a GP appointment, while 14 per cent believe it will make things harder.
This compares with the 29 per cent of people who said they think it will make getting an appointment easier.
More than a third (37 per cent) said it will make no difference to waiting times in emergency departments, while almost one in 10 (9 per cent), said they believe it could worsen waiting times, compared with 30 per cent who said it will improve them.
Meanwhile, 31 per cent said the plan will have no impact on waiting times for hospital treatment, 11 per cent believe the plan will worsen waiting times and 34 per cent said they think the measures will help.
However, a number of proposals outlined in the plan were strongly backed by the public.
Some 84 per cent said they supported the creation of a single patient record, while 78 per cent backed the creation of neighbourhood health centres, 73 per cent support the expansion of the NHS app and 72 per cent are in favour of more mental health support in schools and colleges.
However, more than a quarter (27 per cent) of people do not support making hospitals fully AI enabled, compared with 44 per cent who would back the move.
Almost one in five (18 per cent) said they would not support so-called 'patient power payments', which would allow patients to hold back some of the payment for their care if they are not satisfied, while 42 per cent would support the measure.
Some proposals aimed at helping people to lead healthier lives were also strongly supported.
A ban on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks was backed by 78 per cent of people, while 69 per cent back plans to restrict junk food advertising.
However, almost one in five (18 per cent) tended to disagree with measures that could see alcoholic drinks labelled with nutritional information, although 57 per cent backed the move.
One in four people think the measures included in the plan will make no difference to patients, the poll found.
Almost one in 10 (9 per cent) said they think the changes will make things worse, while 35 per cent believe it will improve the health service.
A similar proportion, 23 per cent, said the 10-year health plan will make no difference to NHS staff, while 13 per cent said it could make things worse and 33 per cent believe it will have a positive effect.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'We're getting on with the job of delivering for patients, with NHS waiting lists falling by 260,000 since July 2024, delivering more than 4.6 million additional appointments since the general election and recruiting over 1,900 extra GPs to fix the front door of the NHS.
'Backed by an additional £29 billion, our 10-year health plan will seize the opportunities provided by new technology, medicines and innovation to deliver better care for all patients, no matter where they live or how much they earn, and better value for taxpayers.
'It is no surprise the plan is popular with patients, it was the result of the biggest conversation with staff, patients and the public since the formation of the NHS, with more than a quarter of a million contributions.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
16 minutes ago
- The Independent
Why Trump is wearing hand makeup during Scotland trip
Donald Trump 's hand makeup was observed during his meetings with world leaders in Scotland, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and ahead of a meeting with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Photographs showed his right hand apparently covered in concealer, a practice that has not been officially explained. The 79-year-old has persistent hand bruising, which a July 17 medical report attributed to frequent handshakes and an aspirin regimen. The medical report also diagnosed Trump with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a common condition in people over 70 where veins struggle to manage blood flow. Despite the White House insisting he 'remains in excellent health,' concerns about his health and mental acuity have been raised due to his age and other observations, such as swollen ankles.
BBC News
17 minutes ago
- BBC News
Dementia-friendly art class in Wrexham helps and calms
Kath and John Griffiths have been married for 63 years, and for the past decade, she has also been his carer, after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in are challenges and difficulties, Kath says, good days and bad, but says a weekly art class the couple both attend has a calming effect on her husband. "It's very relaxing, drawing. You can get your feelings out," John says, by Dementia Friendly Wrexham, the class is for those living with the disease and their partners, carers, or other family members and friends. For Kath, it's also a place where she can relax, chat and seek support from others going through the same things she is, while John, a former engineer, is absorbed in his art said it was part of the week they can "both look forward to", adding that they have "surprised themselves" with what they have achieved."Margaret [the teacher] has this way, she can get anyone to do things. We're so proud of the things we've produced," Kath added. Work created by Kath and John as well as some of the other 33 members of the class are currently on display at an exhibition at the National Trust property, Chirk Castle, which runs until the middle of champion Frank Hemmings, who has been involved with the art class from the beginning, said it gives them a sense of "pride" to see their work on display. But he said the real benefit is in the quiet time they spend in the class."It's good therapy. For those two hours, that person living with dementia is calm and enjoying themselves and really engrossed in their art, and their carer... they're given that period of time with peace, amongst like minded people," he said. "They can talk, ask for advice and share issues and problems."He added that some of the art work created is a "really high standard", but said it can sometimes be sad."We see some fabulous art by some... and 10 minutes after they've done it, they don't realise they've done it, I've had that conversation on a lot of occasions," he said. The way people with dementia draw and paint can also change over time, he Keen, from Llangollen, Denbighshire, said her husband Terry, 80, started off in the class four years ago painting things that were recognisable, but now draws in an abstract way."He just enjoys the drawing and he's just evolved over the years," she said. "He's not seeing things in the same way, but still getting something out of it. He's meeting people and getting his ideas down on paper."I just think it's an excellent way of expressing himself." The class teacher Margaret Roberts has taught watercolour painting for 30 years and says the dementia friendly group is "full of love". "Some say it's the highlight of their week... the joy of painting and drawing together and just having a nice time doing it," she said. "There's banter between the couples... it's just fun."
Reuters
17 minutes ago
- Reuters
Universal Health Services beats quarterly profit estimates on higher medical care demand
July 28 (Reuters) - U.S. hospital operator Universal Health Services (UHS.N), opens new tab beat Wall Street estimates for second-quarter profit on Monday, driven by sustained demand for medical care services. Health insurers have flagged elevated demand and costs in individual Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and Medicaid plans for low-income individuals, which could benefit hospital operators. Last week, larger peer HCA Healthcare (HCA.N), opens new tab beat quarterly profit estimates but saw its shares decline amid concerns over impending changes to Medicaid and Obamacare insurance plans under the Trump administration. Universal Health's same-facility adjusted admissions increased by 2% at acute care hospitals during the quarter, while admissions at behavioral healthcare facilities grew by 0.4%. The company now sees its 2025 revenue to be between $17.10 billion and $17.31 billion, compared to the previously expected range of $17.02 billion to $17.36 billion. Analysts, on average, expect 2025 revenue of $17.14 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG data. For the quarter ended June 30, the King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania-based company reported an adjusted profit of $5.43 per share, beating estimates of $4.92 per share. Investors are currently focused on how hospital operators will address potential tariffs affecting global supply chains for medical devices and surgical equipments. The sector is also preparing for the expiry of Obamacare subsidies next year, a change expected to impact patient coverage, raise insurance premiums and reduce enrollment numbers, potentially leaving hospitals responsible for increased uncompensated care costs.
