A survey of 1,000 people by the patients association has found that between 37% and 47% of people were in favour of making those whose illness was caused by ‘unhealthy lifestyles’ contribute financially towards their treatment. Whilst 90% of respondents did support the principle of an NHS that is ‘free at the point of use’, Kate Murphy, Chief Executive of the Patient’s Association noted that the results show that “the public would prefer to have an open debate and to know what the NHS can and cannot afford”.