Guardian polls health professionals on attitudes to NHS reforms

Recently The Guardian newspaper surveyed NHS professionals belonging to its healthcare network to gauge their views on the NHS reforms planned next year. The 605 responses they received included chief executives, service managers, health policy advisers, nurses, health visitors and midwives.

The survey results suggest that many of those affected by the current radical restructuring of the NHS are unsure about how it will be implemented and worry it will weaken parts of the service.

Asked: “Do you think it is clear how the reforms will be implemented?”

81.2% said No, 8.8% said Maybe, and 10% said Yes.

Asked: “Do you think the reforms will improve outcomes for patients?”

58.6% said No, 33.3% said Maybe, and just 8.2% said Yes.

The Guardian summarised the poll by saying: “Staff have concerns that the changes, including the creation of CCGs, will lead to longer waiting lists for treatment, an extension of "postcode lottery" access to healthcare and, over time, the emergence of a two-tier health service, all of which – if they happened – would undermine, not enhance, patient outcomes.”

More information can be found at www.guardian.co.uk in the Society section.