The government’s rethink of changes to the NHS has failed to win over the public according to the latest opinion poll. In a study for the NHS Support Federation, GFK/NOP found that only 33% of the public believe the health and social care bill should be passed in its amended form and half want the bill to be dropped altogether.

The poll comes as MPs are about to vote on the changes as part of its final stages, before this controversial bill moves onto the Lords.

The survey was conducted between 26-28 August and asked 1000 people (aged 16+): The British Medical Association along with other organisations has asked that the Government Bill to re-organise the NHS be withdrawn even after its amendments. The Government is arguing that the Bill is necessary. What is your view?

The results show that half (49%) wanted the bill to be dropped, a third (33%) wanted the bill to be passed and one in five (19%) did not know. Men were slightly more likely than women to want the bill dropped but the difference was not significant. The Government did not get majority support for the bill in any region or age group.

Professor Colin Francome of Middlesex University commented on the results: “They show quite clearly that this wholesale change in the NHS does not have the support of the people. Patients want good local services with their health needs delivered by people they can trust. They are not interested in competition for services.”

Paul Evans, director of the NHS Support Federation said, “Even after its cosmetic makeover the health bill has failed to win over the public or the health profession. It could bring chaos to the NHS at a time when it needs stability. The government must accept that its free market style changes remain deeply unpopular and should withdraw them."