NHS 'not safe with coalition,' poll reveals

Fewer than one NHS worker in 10 think the health service is "safe in the hands" of the coalition government, a new poll reveals.

Only around 5 per cent of NHS workers think the main impact of reforms has been to improve patient care, the YouGov survey for the campaign group 38 Degrees reveals, in a sign that the Government has lost the confidence of NHS staff. The poll was conducted to mark the 65th anniversary of the NHS last Friday.

More than two-thirds of NHS staff think the Government's reforms have had a negative impact on patient care. Some 83 per cent think reforms are motivated by increasing privatisation.

David Babbs, executive director at 38 Degrees, said: "The Government should halt the privatisation of the NHS, place the welfare of patients at the heart of its plans, and listen to the views of the public and NHS staff."

Theshadow Health Secretary, Andy Burnham, said: "The next Labour government will repeal Cameron's Health Act and put compassion over competition and people before profits."