22.10.14
Growing public support for ‘evidence-based’ NHS changes
More than three-quarters of people would support changes to their local NHS services if there was evidence these would improve care, according to an independent YouGov survey carried out for the NHS Confederation.
But the online poll, of more than 1,500 adults, found that less than half of respondents (40%) thought they knew enough to contribute to an open debate about the future of the NHS, with most of these people saying they would need more information first.
The overall findings contrast with previous polling commissioned by the NHS Confederation, in which 43% of MPs said their constituents “would oppose changes to their local NHS”.
Rob Webster, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, is calling on politicians to harness this local support for change.
“NHS and social care services must change if we are to deliver better care for patients – this is crystal clear and the evidence mounts each week,” he said.
“The results of our poll show the public would clearly welcome an open conversation about what needs to be done to protect the health and care services they value so highly. Now more than ever, it is vital politicians of all parties demonstrate the leadership that voters clearly expect and deserve.”
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