Funder: ESRC
Staff: Carol Propper, Matt Sutton (Aberdeen)
In 2001 the English NHS introduced a policy of targets designed to reduce waiting times. We have examined whether this policy worked by comparing waiting times in England with those in Scotland, where no policy was implemented. We find that the policy did work. Waiting times in England for elective hospital care fell after implemented of the policy relative to Scotland. They fell not only for those waits which were the focus of policy but also for shorter ones too. Thus the policy appears to have achieved its desired end.
