Public confident in today’s NHS but pessimistic about the future

In a recent poll, Healthwatch England asked people how confident they are that NHS and social care services can meet their needs. Over 60% of people said they were confident in current services.

When we asked the same people about their confidence in the ability of services to meet their needs in 30 years’ time, less than a third (30%) agreed they were confident.

Commissioned as part of Healthwatch England’s #NHS100 conversation to explore what people want from health and care services in the future, the survey found that 70% of people either are not confident or don’t know if services in 2048 will be able to meet their needs.

Why so much uncertainty?

To understand some of the reasons, people were asked about some of the factors they think will have the biggest impact on the future health of the nation.

Our diets, the level of exercise people are taking and the environment were the top three issues people chose – indicating public awareness about the challenges our society faces in the decades ahead.

To identify who people think could play a role in solving these issues, they were also asked who is most responsible for ensuring people are healthy. The number one answer people chose was themselves, followed by the NHS – indicating that individuals think they should take the steps needed to stay healthy but want the NHS to play a big role.

Commenting on the findings, Healthwatch England Deputy Director, Neil Tester, said: “As the NHS draws up a plan which will shape the support we get for the next decade, we’re hosting a conversation to make sure we are all on the right track for at least the next generation.

“The future is never clear but public awareness about the impact of unhealthy lifestyles and pollution are heightening uncertainty about the future support people can expect.

“What’s clear from this polling is that most people believe it’s up to us to stay healthy but want the NHS to support us in doing that.

“Does this mean a future where the NHS is more of lifestyle coach – helping people keep well as part of a preventative approach – not just fixing them when things go wrong?

“We want everyone to have their say about this and to think about everything that could help us achieve a healthier future. So we’re also asking people to consider the relationships that might be needed between councils, charities, employers and other organisations to help make this happen.”

Take part in the NHS 100 conversation.