Competitive tendering in the Scottish National Health Service Was it compulsory, and did it make a difference?(*)

Abstract

This paper examines the implementation of competitive tendering in the Scottish National Health Service. Data relating to cleaning, catering and laundering services-- the three services targeted for competitive tendering--are examined. Our analysis suggests that for the first four years the request to market test was largely ignored in Scotland. In 1987 it become a management requirement, and within three years of its fresh start implementation of this policy more than matched the corresponding experience in England.