Welsh Conservatives have called on the Assembly Government to ensure spending on the NHS in Wales is far smarter and focuses more on frontline delivery.
The call comes after a report by the Nuffield Trust found that while the NHS in Wales spends more on health than England, levels of productivity are lower and there has been a poorer performance on waiting times.
Shadow Health Minister Andrew RT Davies AM said: “This report confirms that while spending more on the NHS in Wales, productivity levels are considerably lower than across the border in England.
“Patients and staff have long had concerns that too much money is wasted on bureaucracy and not enough is reaching the frontline, where it could make a significant difference to the experiences of patients.
“The Assembly Government needs to look closely at NHS developments in England to see how the performance of health services in Wales could be improved. England is spending less per capita, yet getting better results.
“While Welsh Conservatives are committed to spending more on the NHS, it is vitally important that this money is spent effectively to improve patient care, especially during current economic pressures.
“This report calls for information to be more readily available to increase transparency so voters can see whether improvements are being delivered. It is essential members of the public have confidence in public services and in how their money is being spent.”