An analysis of the performance of the national health services in the four countries of the United Kingdom has found that England spends less and has fewer staff than the others but delivers more treatment more quickly.

The researchers, from the health charity the Nuffield Trust, say that “troubling differences” exist between the countries in activity, staffing levels, crude productivity, and waiting times. Their study asked whether taxpayers are getting value for money for health services and whether the three devolved health services need to be more accountable.

For the study the researchers examined the performance of the …