Analysis - In Defence of Targets

As NHS targets fall out of political fashion, journalist Michael Blastland argues that they could be good for our health. Targets, once seen by New Labour as the key to improving public services, look as if they may be on the way out. The devolved health services of Wales and Scotland have already retreated from their previous target regimes, the Conservative Party has pledged to scrap them in England and there are signs that some of Gordon Brown's ministers are losing faith in them, too. Why then does Michael believe that there is still a case for targets?