Six in 10 Brits are sympathetic towards junior doctors strike, research finds
Research has revealed public sentiment towards the NHS – with 53% of Brits feeling that the health service's current situation is a “ticking timebomb”.
A survey of 1,500 adults found that an overwhelming 84% feel it is crucial that the government acts now to resolve pay disputes with unions – as 63% believe NHS staff have been unfairly neglected for the last decade.
More than six in 10 (62%) are sympathetic to junior doctors during the ongoing pay disputes, while 36% sympathise with the sub-standard working conditions they have had to deal with.
Meanwhile, 37% feel these health workers have had to wait a long time for a pay rise – with 68% claiming they are underpaid for what they do.
But with junior doctors currently on strike, from today (January 3), until January 9, one in five of those polled (19%) admit they don't have a clue why these strikes are taking place.
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And while 55% claim they have a vague understanding of the reasoning behind it, 47% believe the strike action feels too long – although one in three feel it is necessary to reach a deal.
As a result, a quarter of those polled are trying to avoid over-burdening an already under-pressure NHS – by ignoring serious health issues.
And while six in 10 Brits are sympathetic to the strike action, seven in 10 fear having an appointment cancelled as a result (SWNS)The research, commissioned by Practice Plus Group, found that potentially millions of people are suffering in silence, to avoid contributing to the health system backlog – with one in four putting up with serious conditions such as worn hips, respiratory illness, and gynaecological concerns.
Meanwhile, 35% said they have refrained from getting a nagging – but less serious – health concern checked-out, with four in 10 of this group said they would rather not add to the NHS burden, due to strikes and backlogs. And 28% are waiting for their issue to become more urgent before they try to get an appointment.
Jim Easton, chief executive at Practice Plus Group, which commissioned the research, said: “What’s so concerning about these figures is the fact that, outside of the already long waiting lists and booked operations being cancelled, the strikes are adding to the hidden backlog of people sitting at home, not wanting to come forward and trouble an NHS in crisis this winter.
“Many of these people are waiting for their concerns to become more serious before they seek help – which will result in more complex cases in the future, and more pressure on urgent and emergency care.
“There’s still a lot of sympathy and support for junior doctors and the NHS as a whole – however, the longer the dispute goes on, the more problems are being stored up for the future.”
The OnePoll.com data also revealed that 83% believe strikes are having a major impact on wait times, with 17% on the waiting list for an operation or appointment. And 71% of those waiting are fearful of being cancelled on, as a result of the disputes.
Jim Easton, from Practice Plus Group, added: “The study found almost a fifth would be open to looking at private healthcare due to the knock-on effect from the strikes. We see this every day – we treat both NHS and private patients in our hospitals, and the main difference is speed.
“NHS patients, for various reasons, face hurdles in getting a referral and being put on the waiting list in the first place – and naturally, people are seeking lower cost, high quality private options, that get them well sooner.
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“All anyone wants is to get the NHS back to its best. The whole healthcare system is stronger when the NHS is functioning well, and meeting the demands of the public.”
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