Scots outline their priorities for health in new BMA survey

Cleaner hospitals are the top priority for Scots according to the results of a poll released by the British Medical Association (BMA), Sunday 26 June 2005. However bottom of patients' list of priorities was to have a choice for where they can have an operation.

Improved accident and emergency units, more research into new treatments, shorter waits for outpatient first appointments and better out of hours care also topped the agenda for the Scottish public.

The poll, conducted by YouGov on behalf of the BMA, also identified that Scots wanted to see more funding for the prevention of ill health, as a priority.

These issues will also top the agenda for doctors as the annual conference of the British Medical Association opens in Manchester tomorrow.

Dr Peter Terry, chairman of the BMA in Scotland, said:

"The findings of this survey illustrate that the priorities doctors have for the health service are in tune with what the public wants from its National Health Service. While the health departments pursue a political agenda, prioritising choice for where patients can have an operation, the public would rather see cleaner hospitals, better unscheduled care and more research into new treatments."

The Co-Chair of the BMA, Patient Liaison Group, Barbara Wood, added:

"These figures suggest that quick and easy access to services – particularly Accident and Emergency – is a higher priority for patients than being able to choose where they go. While members of the public want shorter waiting times, they don’t appear to share the government's view that more choice is the only way to get them. It’s interesting that more investment in public health, and research into new treatments, both make the top five. The government should take this as a sign of strong public support for investment in research, the prevention of illness, and the need for a strong academic base to underpin the work of the NHS."