Public sceptical over Labour's 10-year plan

ALMOST half of people think government plans to improve the health of the nation will make no difference, or make it harder to see a GP.

- By Storm Newton

More than four in 10 also believe the 10-year plan will not improve waiting times in A&E, a survey has revealed.

However, the overwhelming majority back the creation of neighbourhood health centres, the expansion of the NHS app and more mental health support in schools and colleges. The health plan was unveiled by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer this month to bring care much closer to people's homes, reducing the reliance on hospitals and A&E.

Key reforms include an enhanced NHS app, giving patients more control over their care, new neighbourhood health centres open six days a week and at least 12 hours a day, and new laws on food and alcohol to prevent ill health.

A survey of 1,023 adults, conducted by Ipsos, asked people how they think the plan will impact access to healthcare, such as getting a GP appointment, A&E waiting times and waits for routine hospital treatment.

Some 35% said the plan will have no impact on getting a GP appointment, while 14% believe it will make things harder.

This compares with the 29% of people who said they think it will make getting an appointment easier.