Member Article

Future of the NHS bigger worry than terrorism

More UK residents are worried about the future of the NHS than the threat of terrorism, research has found.

A third (32%) of UK residents stated funding cuts to the service was their biggest concern; a higher proportion of the population than those who stated they are most worried about terrorism (28%). This is despite a number of European and UK attacks taking place in the past 12 months.

The figure was also higher than those who expressed concern over Britain’s economic future as it exits the European Union (27%).

Almost nine in 10 (87%) people said that they are concerned that if funding levels remain the same, the NHS will be at risk of complete collapse within the next five years. Half of people even admitted this matter is of extreme concern.

The study, by the Independent Health Professionals’ Association (IHPA) found a growing disparity between staffing pressures and government underfunding.

Ben Itsuokor, consultant geriatrician and president of the IHPA, said: “The NHS was founded on a belief that good healthcare should be available to all, but we’re facing sustained external economic forces that threaten this core principle. It’s demoralising and, in some cases, distressing that we are unable to provide proper patient care due to restrictions that are beyond our control.

“During this winter alone we have seen that a lack of investment is leading to chronic staff shortages, increased waiting times and the cancellation of – sometimes very urgent – appointments and operations.

“Just as we have an unshakeable duty of care to our patients, so too does the Government need to realise its moral and social obligation to preserve the future of the NHS before it’s too late.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Holly Greening .