WIREDGOV

Almost half of UK politicians believe an NHS free at the point of need could be consigned to the history books if the challenges facing the health service are not addressed, an NHS Confederation survey of MPs shows.

Published on the eve of the reformed NHS’ first anniversary, the survey of a cross-section of 100 MPs found that 48 per cent of MPs fear a free NHS may be unsustainable if challenges facing the service are not tackled.

The survey – conducted for the NHS Confederation by parliamentary and political intelligence service Dods – also reveals 81 per cent of MPs believe the NHS in their constituency needs to change to meet the needs of patients in the future.

'Insufficient political will'

Yet 65 per cent say there is insufficient political will to permit change, and one in four say they would not back changes to their local NHS if their constituents are opposed.

Rob Webster, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: "These results reveal there is cross-party consensus about the need to make changes to the NHS and that there are doubts about whether there is the political will to do so.

"This comes on the back of our member survey published last week, that showed significant backing for change from NHS senior leaders, who voiced doubts that change will be achieved in the current environment.

'Apolitical conversation'

"The resounding message from this survey is clear – we need an open and honest apolitical conversation between the public, patients, politicians and those delivering healthcare across our communities, about the future challenges facing the NHS.

"We must then all support each other to drive forward the changes needed to ensure we can deliver a 21st century NHS where we have the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

"Our 2015 Challenge seeks to do just this – supporting politicians with the evidence and seeking to engage the public. To safeguard an NHS free at the point of need, we all have a responsibility to meet the challenges facing our health and care system head-on – with everyone playing a part.”

Attitudes towards changes

The survey gathered the views of MPs across the UK on their attitudes towards changes needed in the health service. 

Q1. The NHS needs to change in my constituency to meet the needs of patients in the future

81 per cent of all respondents strongly agree/agree

Breakdown by party:

• Conservative – 85 per cent strongly agree/agree
• Labour – 73 per cent strongly agree/agree
• Lib Democrat – 75 per cent strongly agree/agree
• Other – 80 per cent strongly agree/agree. 

Q2. There is sufficient political will to permit such changes

35 per cent of all respondents strongly agree/agree

Breakdown by party:

• Conservative – 41 per cent strongly agree/agree
• Labour – 23 per cent strongly agree/agree
• Lib Dem – 51 per cent strongly agree/agree
• Other – 40 per cent strongly agree/agree.

Q3. Any such changes are likely to be opposed by my constituents

43 per cent of all respondents strongly agree/agree

Breakdown by party:

• Conservative – 43 per cent strongly agree/agree
• Labour – 46 per cent strongly agree/agree
• Lib Dem – 38 per cent strongly agree/agree
• Other – 20 per cent strongly agree/agree. 

Q4. If the challenges facing the NHS are not addressed, then it may not remain free at the point of need

48 per cent of all respondents strongly agree/agree

Breakdown by party:

• Conservative – 53 per cent strongly agree/agree
• Labour – 39 per cent strongly agree/agree
• Lib Dem – 50 per cent strongly agree/agree
• Other – 60 per cent strongly agree/agree/

Q5. What would persuade you to back changes to your local NHS?

• public support of plans by clinicians – 69 per cent of all respondents strongly agree/agree
• evidence the changes will improve patient care – 93 per cent of all respondents strongly agree/agree
• evidence the changes will save money – 53 per cent of all respondents strongly agree/agree
• none of the above if constituents are opposed – 25 per cent of all respondents strongly agree/agree. 

Breakdown of interviewed political party MPs:

• Conservative – 39
• Labour – 48
• Liberal Dem – 8
• Other – 5

The figures used in the survey are weighted by party to reflect the political composition of the House of Commons.