Citation
(2011), "U – turn on health reforms may not please over 50s", Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, Vol. 12 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/qaoa.2011.55912caa.009
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
U – turn on health reforms may not please over 50s
Article Type: News From: Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, Volume 12, Issue 3
As the government began a “listening exercise” on its Health Reform proposals, a SAGA survey shows that over 50s support radical reforms of the NHS.
More than half (59 per cent) of the 12,939 over 50s surveyed would be happier if general practitioners (GPs) will, in future, have more control over their long-term treatment and healthcare requirements. This figure increases to 66 per cent amongst the over 70s, who were most supportive of the changes. A third (33 per cent) of respondents to the SAGA Populus Poll thought that GPs would do better at finding them the best NHS treatment than the existing Primary Care Trusts and Strategic Health Authorities:
Whilst listening is good, and taking time to carefully consider such radical change is sensible, the government shouldn’t permit vested interests to derail the reforms, which aim to put patients and GPs at the heart of the new NHS. Older people have great faith in their GPs commitment and ability to get the best possible health outcomes for them from the NHS. This principle should not be lost during this pause for further consultation (Dr Ros Altmann, Director-general of SAGA).