A new study has found that the NHS in England makes better, more efficient use of funds than trusts elsewhere in the UK.

Produced by the Nuffield Trust's think-tank, the report highlights how NHS trusts in England are beating those in other UK countries on several measures of performance despite a lower amount of funding per head. Nuffield trust director Jennifer Dixon said that some of the differences between the areas of the UK were the result of different policies pursued "by each of the four nations since 1999".

She said that the greater emphasis on optimising performance in England was among the reasons for the nation's reduced waiting times and efficient use of resources.  Effectively those in nurse manager jobs or other supervisory roles in the English NHS have been pursuing an overall strategy prioritising efficiency and performance, whilst other nations directed funds towards measures such as free personal care (Scotland) or abolishing prescription fees (Wales).

In contrast, the report found that Scotland had the highest rate of spending on the NHS but the highest levels of poor health. Despite having the highest rates of doctors, GP's and nurses per person the devolved policies appear to have had little benefit in meeting the performance targets established for the NHS.

The report said that English policymakers used the past decade of relative prosperity to tackle long waiting times. The report said that "governments in the other countries may find it hard to catch up with performance in England during the years of famine."