Scotland has a history delivering better NHS outcomes than the UK Government does in England, or the Welsh Assembly in Wales. This is achieved through a combination of targetted spending and better management. But despite this, overall budgets are still controlled by Westminster. Scotland has experienced real terms cuts in its funding for many years.

A great example of the difference in management approach is demonstrated by COVID Test and Trace. In Scotland this was passed to Health Boards who were experienced in this area. In England it was delivered as a new fully privatised service. As a result England wasted £38bn on a Test & Trace service that was considered a failure.

With independence Scotland can ensure that NHS delivery remains well managed, cost effective – and publicly owned.

Sources

UK Government

Scottish Government

Welsh Assembly

OECD