On 5th July, as you're probably aware, the NHS celebrated its 60th anniversary. We marked the day by carrying out a local consultation to find out people’s views about their local NHS and how they think it's changed over the years. The survey was sent to all local residents who have written to me about healthcare issues over the years.
The results from the survey showed overwhelmingly that local people are proud of the NHS (2/3 of respondents) but nearly everyone that responded (80 percent) also believed that patients should be given greater control and choice over the service.
Surprisingly, only 60 percent of local residents were in favour of extended opening hours for GP’s surgeries, with many people expressing their concerns about the introduction of polyclinics. It's obvious that we need to do more to get the message across that polyclinics will be used in addition to existing GP surgeries, not instead of them.
Most surprising however, was that whilst over 60 percent of people felt that local GP services had improved over the past few years, (with many writing about how happy they were with local doctors), only half thought that local hospitals or other health facilities had improved. The main concerns coming out about local facilities were the waiting times in the A & E at North Middlesex, the cost of parking facilities at Chase Farm, and the perceived lack of cleanliness in both hospitals.
Several people expressed their concern at the MRSA rates locally. Another issue which came out quite often was the lack of free care for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
I was really surprised by the high response to the survey – over one fifth of people had replied within a week – which just illustrates how passionately people still feel about the NHS. Although the results were in the main very positive, especially concerning local GP services, there were quite a few concerning comments about our two main hospitals which I will be following up.
One thing that came through loud and clear however was that virtually everyone that commented in the survey had praise for the NHS staff. The North Middesex Cancer unit also received particular praise, as did its breast clinic.
It is clear that 60 years on, the NHS has changed completely, and is having to face new challenges and diseases which were unheard of 60 years ago. However, I felt that the survey results showed in the main that it is adapting well to these changes, and it is still a free service that we can all be proud of.
It's not too late to get involved in this consultation. Just send an email to andylovemp@aol.com or call 020 72196377 and we will send you a copy of the NHS survey. I'd also be interested in hearing what you think of these results, so please let me know.
Several people expressed their concern at the MRSA rates locally. Another issue which came out quite often was the lack of free care for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
I was really surprised by the high response to the survey – over one fifth of people had replied within a week – which just illustrates how passionately people still feel about the NHS. Although the results were in the main very positive, especially concerning local GP services, there were quite a few concerning comments about our two main hospitals which I will be following up.
One thing that came through loud and clear however was that virtually everyone that commented in the survey had praise for the NHS staff. The North Middesex Cancer unit also received particular praise, as did its breast clinic.
It is clear that 60 years on, the NHS has changed completely, and is having to face new challenges and diseases which were unheard of 60 years ago. However, I felt that the survey results showed in the main that it is adapting well to these changes, and it is still a free service that we can all be proud of.
It's not too late to get involved in this consultation. Just send an email to andylovemp@aol.com or call 020 72196377 and we will send you a copy of the NHS survey. I'd also be interested in hearing what you think of these results, so please let me know.
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