Staff Advocacy, Customer Service And Political Involvement In The NHS

The general public overwhelmingly agree that 'the NHS is a key part of British society and should be protected' (96%), with three-quarters (77%) agreeing strongly with this. Strength of feeling is stronger amongst older respondents -- those aged 35+ are more likely to agree strongly with this statement and nearly all (98%) of those aged 65+ agree that the NHS is a key part of British society and should be protected.

Views on the involvement of politicians are more divided, but a strong majority overall (72%) are against the involvement of politicians in the day-to-day running of the NHS. However, less than half (45%) strongly agree, and a quarter (26%) say they tend to agree. Again, older people are more likely to agree with this (79% aged 45+ compared with 72% overall, whilst a fifth (21%) of 16-24 year olds disagree). Conservative voters (81% versus 67% of Labour voters) and ABC1s (76% versus 67% of C2DEs) are more likely to agree.

Most people say it is important that the NHS pays more attention to customer services (93%), with three in five (61%) saying it is very important. There are no noteworthy differences in opinion across the sub-groups.

Views are more mixed with regard to whether the NHS should do more to reduce its carbon footprint, but still generally supportive (63%). There are significant differences in levels of support between sub-groups in terms of age, voting intention and education.16-24 year olds are most likely to agree that that NHS should do more to reduce its carbon footprint (70% versus 63% overall), as are Labour voters (69% versus 56% of Conservative voters). Those without formal qualifications are less likely to agree (57% versus 63% overall).

A third (34%) people work for the NHS or have family members or friends who do. Among this group, advocacy of the NHS is mixed, with a similar proportion saying they are critical (35%) and would speak highly (32%) of the NHS. The proportion saying they would speak highly of the NHS rises to half (50%) among those who personally work for the NHS. A quarter (25%) say they would be neutral about it. Those aged 55-64 are most likely to be critical (46% versus 35% overall). ABs (39%) and those reading broadsheet newspapers (40%) -- overlapping groups -- are more likely to speak highly of the NHS.

Topline Results

• Ipsos interviewed a nationally representative sample of 2,058 adults in Great Britain aged 15+ across 197 sampling points
• Interviews were carried out face-to-face, in home, using CAPI (Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing), as part of the Ipsos Social Issues Omnibus
• The sample design ensures that the Omnibus accurately reflects the GB population in terms of region and area types as well as respondent demographics. In order to correct for minor deviations, the Omnibus uses a rim weighting system which weights to NRS defined profiles for age, social grade, region and working status -- within gender
• Fieldwork was conducted between 17-22 May 2007
• Results are based on all respondents unless otherwise stated
• Where results do not sum to 100, this may be due to multiple responses, computer rounding or the exclusion of don't knows / not stated. An asterisk (*) denotes a finding of less than 0.5%, but greater than zero.

To what extent, if at all, do you agree or disagree that ...

Q1 ... the NHS is a key part of British society and should be protected

Q2 ... politicians should not be involved in the day to day running of the NHS

Q3 ... the NHS should do more to reduce its carbon footprint -- that is reduce its carbon dioxide emissions (e.g. by being more energy efficient, recycling more, encouraging staff to walk, cycle or take public transport to work)

Q4 In your opinion, how important, if at all, is it for the NHS to pay more attention to customer services (e.g. better bedside manner, friendlier staff, easier appointment booking systems, clearer information about your treatment)

Q5 Do you personally, members of your family, or any of your friends work for the NHS in any capacity?

Q6 Which of the following phrases best describes the way you / they would speak about the NHS to other people?