Public unaware of future NHS cutbacks

Nine out of ten people in the UK don't know the NHS is required to make £20 billion in savings, a new poll has revealed.

The poll of more than 4000 people carried out for the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) found that one in three people were unaware any savings had to be made at all.

Only seven per cent of those surveyed knew the NHS in England is being asked to make £20 billion of savings within the next three years.

Almost half of people (49%) said a new government's top spending priority should be the economy, followed by immigration (12%), the health service (11%), law and order (7%), education (6%), transport (2%) and the environment (2%).

When asked about what improvements in health care they most valued, 52 per cent identified progress in treating life threatening diseases including cancer and heart disease, 39 per cent said reduced waiting times and 28 per cent valued more regular health screening.

But the public also said they would like to see less bureaucracy (56%), better quality of care (40%) and more trained staff (39%)

The results were released as politicians in all parties are looking to make savings in the NHS.

Commenting on the results, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary Dr Peter Carter said: "Today’s results come as politicians of all parties look at ways to make savings in the NHS.

"While we understand that we need to tighten our belts and work more efficiently, we agree with the public who say that it is not possible to make savings of the magnitude asked for without affecting patient care.

The YouGov poll was released as RCN members gather in Bournemouth at the start of the annual RCN Congress. Labour Party leader Gordon Brown will be addressing the Congress this morning.

This article was published on Mon 26 April 2010