Government action needed to relieve pressure on NHS

This comes as the government prepares to publish its 10-Year Plan to improve health.

A poll has revealed significant public backing for strong action on the industries responsible for harming public health.

The nationally representative survey of over 2000 adults, carried out by Public First, commissioned by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), the Alcohol Health Alliance, and the Obesity Health Alliance, revealed widespread public concern about the impact tobacco, alcohol, and unhealthy food and drink is having on the nation’s health and the NHS.

Key findings include:

The poll revealed overwhelming public support for the government to act more quickly and ambitiously on smoking, alcohol and obesity rates. The organisations behind the research have said the government now has a clear public mandate to act urgently on its promised shift from ‘sickness to prevention’ as it finalises it’s 10-year strategy for health. They have called on ministers to set ambitious reduction targets, publish clear, evidence-based roadmaps for action, introduce marketing and availability restrictions, and expand access to treatment as part of a joined-up strategy to deliver Labour’s prevention mission.