Insights from a survey among peers.

I sent the same question to 15 people from my contacts list. This included medical students, newly qualified and experienced doctors in a variety of fields as well as non-medical people to gain an insight on their opinion on the NHS and how we can make it more efficient.

Initial Question: “If given a magic wand and you could make one change to instantly improve NHS efficiency, what would you change and why?”

Summary and Interpretation:

1) Technological Advancement
Many of the people I spoke to highlighted the importance of embracing digital tools in healthcare. Suggestions included wider use of electronic systems and providing healthcare professionals with dedicated devices, recognising technology’s potential to streamline workflows and improve patient care.

2) Preventive Healthcare
There was strong support for shifting towards prevention. Ideas included promoting annual check-ups, proactive condition management, and better patient education as key steps to strengthen public health and move the NHS toward a more wellness-focused model.

3) Appointment Booking
Frustrations around appointment booking came up repeatedly. People felt that the process should be made much simpler, with streamlined online booking systems and more direct access to diagnostic tests to reduce bureaucracy and improve access to care.

4) Management and Leadership
Concerns about NHS management were also raised. Several felt there should be clearer standards and stronger accountability for managers, alongside a culture of performance excellence, to help drive positive change across the system.

5) Patient-Centered Innovation
Improving the patient experience was a consistent theme. Suggestions included expanding online consultations, enabling home delivery of prescriptions, and making greater use of AI-driven solutions—all aimed at making care more convenient, accessible, and effective.