New polling from Ipsos reveals a generally positive public response to the government’s 10 Year Health Plan. According to the survey, 35% of people believe the plan will improve outcomes for patients, while only 9% think it will make things worse. Reform UK voters were the only group with a higher proportion (17%) believing the plan would have a negative impact.
Support is particularly strong for individual proposals within the plan. A large majority back initiatives such as the introduction of a single patient record (84%), banning high-caffeine drinks (78%), establishing Neighbourhood Health Centres (78%), expanding the NHS app (73%), and restricting junk food advertisements (69%). This is positive news for BIVDA members as the concept of Neighbourhood Health Centres — expected to provide convenient, local diagnostic services to patients — enjoy high popularity among the public.
However, there is scepticism about access to GP appointments, with 35% believing the plan will make no difference in this area. Notably, no policy in the plan was more opposed than supported.
When it comes to Labour’s Health Secretary Wes Streeting, opinion is mixed: 30% say he is doing a good job, while 27% disagree. Despite the overall positive sentiment, more respondents were unaware of the 10 Year Health Plan than those who were familiar with it.
