New and emerging medical technology is at the forefront of creating a modern, effective NHS that responds to the needs of patients.
That was the message this week (11 October) from the first Parliamentary Medical Technology Expo: ‘Patients at the Heart of the NHS’, which showcased the latest innovations in medical devices. Bristol North West MP, Dr Doug Naysmith, spoke at the event and saw for himself the latest advances in cardiac, vascular and many other areas of patient care where new technology is returning patients to their normal lives more quickly.
The House of Commons played host to the Expo, which gave Parliamentarians the chance to meet patients whose lives have been saved thanks to technology and gain an up-close view of the medical devices making a difference.
Technologies on display included the C.Net 2000+ portable heart monitor, which allows patients to be monitored for a 24 hour period while they return to work, and the latest drug-coated stents – devices which can be used keep blocked arteries open.
The event, organised by the Medical Technology Group (MTG) aimed to show the importance of the ‘patient voice’ in NHS decision making.
Dr Naysmith said: “Enhancing access to advanced devices which can improve a patient’s experience of primary care and hospital should be high on the agenda for anyone who has a stake in developing our health service”.
“The latest pacemakers are no bigger than a two pence coin and have a battery life of years. New drug pumps, which can deliver insulin directly to people with diabetes, are cutting out the need for constant injections. The key message at the event was that while technology required up front investment, the cost and health benefits over time are enormous.
“The event had patients at its heart and has demonstrated how important it is that current reform to the NHS is focused on delivering for patients - and therefore listening to them,” he added.
The MTG is a coalition of patients, patient groups, medical professionals and industry, keen to widen the availability of medical technologies in the UK. Its manifesto for increased use of Medical Technology in the NHS sets out a ‘Four Point Plan’ for improved patient access, aiming to:
- Improve access to medical technologies through increased funding
- Ensure implementation of nationally agreed guidance, guidelines and recommendations on health, from all public bodies such as National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance and National Service Frameworks (NSF)
- Put patient access to effective treatment at the heart of all commissioning and purchasing arrangements for medical technology
- Provide adequate staff numbers and training opportunities for healthcare professionals and improve infrastructure to fully capitalise on the opportunities offered by innovative medical technology
Patient organisations present at the event included SADS UK, the sudden adult death organisation, Women’s Health and the Arrhythmia Alliance.
