Public unaware of scale of NHS cutbacks, RCN poll reveals

Published: 12 May 2010

The overwhelming majority (93%) of the English public are unaware of the level of savings the NHS will have to make over the next three years, according to a new YouGov poll for the RCN released at the start of its annual Congress (25 April).

The poll of over 4,000 UK* adults looked at the public’s understanding of NHS savings and their attitudes towards the health service. Just seven per cent correctly identified that the NHS was being asked to make up to £20 billion in savings from its budget for England over the next three years. A third (33 %) were unaware the NHS would need to make any savings at all during the same period.

Just one in three (33%) of those polled believed it would be possible for the NHS to make the savings required without affecting patient care. The public believe the major consequences of reduced funding would be fewer staff (38%) and longer waiting times (38%). At the same time they also acknowledge this could result in less bureaucracy (33%).

Today’s poll reveals that the public support continued investment in the NHS and view it as the third highest spending priority for a new government (11%) over education (6%), law and order (7%), transport (2%) and the environment (2%). The economy (49%) and immigration (12%) ranked first and second. Half (50 per cent) believe that spending on the NHS should be increased while 40 per cent think it should be maintained at current levels.

The public highlighted both quality and equity as NHS priorities for the next government. Listing their top three priorities these were: spending NHS money more efficiently (55%), ending the postcode lottery over treatment (44%) and providing enough nurses to deliver safe care (31%).

Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, 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.

“We are deeply concerned that to meet efficiency savings we are already seeing short-sighted cuts for example in vital specialist nurse posts, mandatory training, and in reduced staffing levels We cannot be clearer – making slash and burn cuts to save budgets will damage patient care and risk reversing many of the improvements made in recent years. Making financial ends meet must never come ahead of patient care.”

Other findings from today’s poll include:

• Healthcare improvements valued the most include progress in treating life threatening diseases including cancer and heart disease (52%), reduced waiting times (39%), and more regular health screening (28%)

• The majority (66%) believe that the NHS will be as good as it is now or better in general in 2020

• Looking forward to 2020 the public would like to see less bureaucracy (56%), better quality of care (40%) and more trained staff (39%)

Dr Carter added:

“Our message to all political parties seeking to govern is clear – while there may be financial challenges ahead, to ensure patient safety we need safe staffing levels, time for nurses to train and sustained investment in services, staff and facilities. Only by building on the progress we have made will we have a health service that delivers the care that the public believe is possible in the future.”

-Ends-

Notes to editors

For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Press Office on 020 7647 3633.

*YouGov conducted an online survey of 4486 UK adults between the 16th and 19th April April 2010. Within the survey respondents from each country were asked a question to identify the level of savings that would be required from their health service

RCN Congress 2010 runs from Sunday 25 April – Thursday 29 April at the Bournemouth International Conference Centre. There will be a press conference to launch Congress at 3.30pm on Sunday 25 April.

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.