
Almost half of people do not think 10-year plan will boost GP access
More than four in 10 also believe the 10-year plan will make no difference or will not improve waiting times in A&E.
However, there is huge support for some of the ideas included in the blueprint, with the overwhelming majority backing the creation of neighbourhood health centres, the expansion of the NHS app and more mental health support in schools and colleges.
The 10-year health plan was unveiled by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer earlier this month, and set out a series of shifts to bring care much closer to people's homes, reducing the reliance on hospitals and A&E.
Key reforms include an enhanced NHS app, giving patients more control over their care, new neighbourhood health centres open six days a week and at least 12 hours a day, and new laws on food and alcohol to prevent ill health.
A survey of 1,023 adults in Britain, conducted by Ipsos for the PA news agency, asked people how they think the plan will impact access to healthcare, such as getting a GP appointment, A&E waiting times and waiting times for routine hospital treatment.
Some 35% said the plan will have no impact on getting a GP appointment, while 14% believe it will make things harder.
This compares with the 29% of people who said they think it will make getting an appointment easier.
More than a third (37%) said it will make no difference to waiting times in emergency departments, while almost one in 10 (9%), said they believe it could worsen waiting times, compared with 30% who said it will improve them.
Meanwhile, 31% said the plan will have no impact on waiting times for hospital treatment, 11% believe the plan will worsen waiting times and 34% said they think the measures will help.
However, a number of proposals outlined in the plan were strongly backed by the public.
Some 84% said they supported the creation of a single patient record, while 78% backed the creation of neighbourhood health centres, 73% support the expansion of the NHS app and 72% are in favour of more mental health support in schools and colleges.
However, more than a quarter (27%) of people do not support making hospitals fully AI enabled, compared with 44% who would back the move.
Almost one in five (18%) 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% 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% of people, while 69% back plans to restrict junk food advertising.
However, almost one in five (18%) tended to disagree with measures that could see alcoholic drinks labelled with nutritional information, although 57% 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%) said they think the changes will make things worse, while 35% believe it will improve the health service.
A similar proportion, 23%, said the 10-year health plan will make no difference to NHS staff, while 13% said it could make things worse and 33% 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


Telegraph
5 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Leading figures back Telegraph's campaign for prostate cancer screening
Leading figures have thrown their weight behind the Telegraph's campaign for targeted screening for prostate cancer. Men are not offered tests even if they have a family history of the disease, but the UK National Screening Committee is considering whether to recommend the rollout of testing. Launching the campaign, The Telegraph revealed thousands of men are only receiving a diagnosis with prostate cancer after being dismissed by their GP multiple times. Every year about 55,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men. Of those, around 10,000 only receive the diagnosis after at least three visits to their GP seeking help, NHS data suggests. Rishi Sunak, the former prime minister, on Saturday backed the call for targeted screening, joining several figures from the world of television and sport who have been treated. Experts believe there is a growing case for targeted screening, meaning that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests would be offered to those at heightened risk. The plight of men with prostate cancer has been highlighted by Sir Chris Hoy, a six-time Olympic cycling gold medallist, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer that originated in his prostate in 2023. Despite prostate cancer affecting his father and grandfather he was never offered PSA tests. Targeted screening could mean offering checks to men with a family history of the disease, higher genetic risks or those whose ethnic background increases the chance of disease. Men over the age of 50 can request a PSA test but GPs are told not to offer them proactively, and to use their clinical judgment about younger men. Under the current rules, those with symptoms should be offered tests. Wes Streeting, Health Secretary, has said that Sir Chris 'makes a powerful argument' about the case for prostate screening, especially where there is a family history of disease. Every year in the UK around 12,000 men die from it with around half of men only diagnosed when the disease, which can be symptomless, is at a late stage. Mr Sunak, who recently became an ambassador for the charity Prostate Cancer Research, said: 'Too many men are leaving it too late to get checked. They get lulled into a false sense of security by the absence of symptoms. 'In too many cases, by the time there are symptoms that are impacting your lifestyle, it's probably too late. By the time men do seek help, the cancer can be advanced and much harder to treat. 'In some cases people don't realise they are in high-risk groups because of family history or ethnic background. Ignorance kills and that's why we need a targeted national screening programme. It will ensure men are seen and checked before it's too late.' Government advisers have previously been reluctant to recommend the programme because of concerns about PSA tests. However, in recent years the back-up diagnostics used to make a diagnosis have significantly improved. Actor Stephen Fry, 67, was diagnosed in 2018 and underwent surgery to remove his prostate and some lymph nodes. He was diagnosed after a routine PSA blood test and MRI scan following a suggestion from his doctor. He too backed the Telegraph campaign, saying: 'Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK yet it remains one we speak about too little, test for too late and act on too slowly. Thousands of men are dying needlessly from a disease which, when caught early, is eminently survivable. The status quo must change and it must change now.' He urged the Government and the National Screening Committee to introduce a targeted screening programme, beginning with the men most at risk. Fry said: 'We know early detection of prostate cancer saves lives. It really is that simple. No man should die from a cancer that could have been treated if found in time. We have a moral obligation – as a society and as a health system – to act. The opportunity is before us; the cost of inaction is measured not just in numbers but in fathers, brothers, partners and friends lost and families left shattered.' Dermot Murnaghan, 67, the former Sky News presenter, revealed in June that he has Stage 4 prostate cancer, meaning it has spread to other areas of the body. He said he 'fell through the gaps' in the system, never asking his GP for tests because he assumed that regular private health checks included PSA tests. He told The Telegraph: 'I know first hand the difference early diagnosis can make. We now have the tools to target those most at risk and save thousands of lives each year. It's time we rolled out screening for high-risk groups.' TV presenter Nick Owen, 77, was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in 2023, for which he received treatment. He said: 'Being diagnosed was one of the worst days of my life. It triggered some turbulent times, not just for me but my family too. Life is better now but it's not the same as it was. The groundswell for change in how this awful disease is diagnosed and treated is growing. 'Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the UK without a screening programme, but the evidence is there to change this. 'Early diagnosis is key and changing that senseless situation where its still incumbent on men to be aware of their risk and proactively talk about it with their GP. Black men and those with a family history are at increased risk, so its so important that they are armed with the full facts. 'I am a dad to three boys all in their late 30s and early 40s. I know about inherited risk. I am really concerned about them. I am very anxious about it. 'We all want a world when there are regular, reliable tests to find prostate cancer in its early stages, when it's easier to treat. Hopefully this campaign can set us on the right path to get there.' Kenny Logan, 53, the former Scotland international and husband of BBC presenter Gabby, underwent treatment for prostate cancer earlier in 2022. He said: 'I was asymptomatic when I was diagnosed in 2022, if I hadn't taken a blood test it might have been too late. I'm grateful to be here, this is why I'm backing The Telegraph's campaign urging the Government to act with urgency.' Bill Turnbull, a TV presenter and journalist, died of the disease in 2022 aged 66. His daughter Flora said: 'A targeted screening programme for men who are most vulnerable of developing prostate cancer will be a step in the right direction. Those at highest risk of this disease deserve better. 'My family and I know how cruel prostate cancer is after watching my dad gradually decline after his diagnosis in 2017. 'I know how decisively and swiftly the illness can act if left unchecked. I really hope this campaign results in better outcomes and a better future for all men and those who love them.' Nick Jones, 61, the founder of Soho House, an international chain of private members' clubs, was diagnosed with a large and aggressive tumour on his prostate which was urgently removed. He said: 'I consider myself one of the lucky ones, my prostate cancer was caught just in time. But luck shouldn't decide who lives and who dies. It's time for the Government to act. Too many lives are on the line.' Journalist Paul Henderson was diagnosed with stage two prostate cancer in June and will be writing a regular column for The Telegraph about going through the process of diagnosis and treatment. He said: 'Prostate cancer awareness shouldn't start with a diagnosis. As the most common cancer in the UK, we all need to be talking about it. We need to understand the risk factors and we need to catch it as early as possible. 'Like almost all men, I never thought it would happen to me. But in all honesty, I never really thought about prostate cancer, full stop. That has to change. And bringing in a national screening programme shouldn't really be a discussion because it's simply a matter of life or death.'


Daily Mail
5 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
I hate the ugly veins in my legs... is there a way to get rid of them? DR ELLIE reveals the treatments available – and the simple seating position that can help
I have started to get thread veins on my legs and ankles. I hate how they look. Is there anything I can do to get rid of them? Dr Ellie Cannon replies: Thread veins are not usually treated on the NHS as they are considered a cosmetic issue – but that doesn't mean there's nothing to be done.


BBC News
35 minutes ago
- BBC News
Somerset man commended in Parliament for Alzheimer's charity work
An 86-year-old man has been recognised in Parliament for his dedication to charity work. Brian Standring, who lives in Wellington, Somerset, recently completed his fourth skydive to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society following his close friend's diagnosis in name was put forward for recognition in the House of Commons by his local MP Gideon Amos, who commended his efforts as a "marvellous achievement".While there, Mr Standring raised a discussion on how Parliament may be able to better support dementia and Alzheimer's diagnoses, social care and treatments. During the trip, he was presented with a printed copy of an Early Day Motion tabled in his honour, recognising his years of voluntary service and recent aerial fundraising feat."It just left me speechless," Mr Standring told BBC Radio Somerset. "It's such a great gift which I appreciated so very much." Mr Standring has spent much of the past decade supporting people with Alzheimer's, as well as raising awareness of has earned awards for his work with the organisation, sat on its volunteer advisory panel and helped organise fundraising efforts at his home."Around one million people in the UK live with dementia. It is the UK's leading cause of death and the economic impact of dementia is profound," he said."One of the main reasons for my visit and meeting with Gideon... was to explore whether and how he may be able to support the importance of dementia, locally, and at Westminster nationally."