Additionally, 50% of respondents said that private providers should play a ‘bigger role’ in delivering healthcare. 

Nine in ten Scots believe NHS reform is needed. (Image: PA)

The figures were released as Enlighten hosts crunch talks in Edinburgh on Monday alongside Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS). 

Speakers at the event include Health Secretary Neil Gray, as well as Professor Andrew Elder, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and Jane-Claire Judson, Chief Executive of CHSS. 

Labour Deputy Leader Jackie Baillie MSP, Lib Dem Leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP, Patrick Harvie MSP of the Scottish Greens and Brian Whittle MSP of the Conservative Party will also contribute.

Professor Elder said: “There must be a conversation about whether public funding can be increased. Or, if it cannot be, the conversation must move to how we make reasoned decisions about what can – and cannot – be provided via the public purse. 

“Policy makers cannot continue to pretend that the NHS can do everything for everybody all of the time, with no change in funding. This would only let down patients. 

Elder noted: “I look forward to hearing from the politicians on our political panel about how they intend to lead or contribute to the national conversation – with input from the public and healthcare community – and how they will collaborate to ensure that reform of health and social care is delivered for people in Scotland.”

According to the poll, which surveyed 1,020 adults in Scotland between the 5th and 15th of October; 93% believe the health service needs either “significant” or “moderate” change and reform, with 88% thinking the same of the social care system. 

Similarly, while 88% believe that healthcare should be free at the point of use, 63% think the current model is unsustainable and 50% would use, and would like a bigger role, for the private sector.

While over 80% believe that the improvement of social care should be a top priority, just 42% that they understand how social care is funded and delivered.

Neil Gray is set to attend the conference. (Image: Peter Summers/PA Wire)

Enlighten Director Chris Deerin added: “The people on the front line of delivering health and social care in Scotland are increasingly telling us that the system is unsustainable, often stretched beyond capacity and overly complex. 

“We also know that the nation’s health is deteriorating, that inequalities are widening and that with an ageing population demand for health and social care services can only grow.

He said of the polling data: “This shows that the users of the services see that too, and accept that the status quo is not an option.

“We hope that our conference today can provoke, inspire and encourage constructive debate around what reform to the NHS and social care might look like.” 

The polling also found that 29% of respondents wanted to see the role of the private sector expanded, as opposed to 28% who said they would pay more tax to fund healthcare. 

71% believe the NHS is worse now than 10 years ago, while 77% think it will be worse 10 years from now.

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Reacting, Jane-Claire Judson, Chief Executive of CHSS, said it was “no surprise to me that the public wants NHS reform”.  

She added: “People living with long-term health conditions are increasingly being left behind. The NHS itself is not irreparable; what’s unsustainable is our inability to create and implement the change needed to tackle current challenges.

“Real change must be rooted in humility and courage from Scotland’s political leaders and must be driven by the lived experiences of those who rely on our services.”