While the survey found the public were broadly supportive of the government’s NHS priority shifts, few people (27 per cent) were actually aware of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan.
Hugh Alderwick, director of policy at the Health Foundation, said the survey showed there was “broad public support” for the government’s NHS reform plan, but it would be challenging for the government to balance multiple health priorities.
“At the same time, we are fixing the front door of the NHS by hiring an extra 1,000 GPs, proposing the biggest boost to GP funding in years – an extra £889 million – and bringing back the family doctor so patients most in need see the same doctor at every appointment.
“The public’s top priority is improving access to general practice, but the government’s headline political pledge on the NHS is to reduce waiting times for routine hospital treatment over the parliament,” he said.
A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Our Plan for Change is transforming the NHS, and we have already met our pledge to deliver over two million extra appointments, seven months early.
