Greg Smith MP has backed a call for greater uptake of medical technology by the NHS to help tackle its future challenges.
An event hosted by the Medical Technology Group in the House of Commons on Monday (5th December) brought together NHS leaders, parliamentarians and patients to showcase the best innovation and technology currently being used on the NHS to tackle the backlog and help it recover from the pandemic.
The Medical Technology Group argues that medical technology is key, not just to recovering from the pandemic, but also in tackling the future challenges of the health service.
It is now calling for greater government funding for medtech, including a scheme to share the spread of innovation and technology across the health service after their latest report found some regions were treating up to three times as many patients as others.
Among the speakers at the event were David Lawson, Director of the Medical Technologies Directorate at the Department for Health and Social Care. Other speakers addressed the potential of medical technology to reduce surgical waiting times, manage long term conditions and address the workforce crisis.
Responding to the comments Greg Smith said: “This has been a great opportunity to meet and speak with patients whose lives have been transformed by technology and innovation being used by the NHS. The wider use of such technology in our health service is key to tackling the health challenges of the future. We must do more to help unlock its potential.”
Chair of the Medical Technology Group, Barbara Harpham said: “This event is a great chance to showcase the medical technology that has helped the NHS recover from the pandemic, as well as the patients whose lives have been transformed by it. Medical technology has been vital in helping manage the unprecedented pressure on the health service during the pandemic.
“However, at present not enough is being done to build on the success. This is a chance to properly celebrate its achievements by delivering a call to arms to NHS leaders and parliamentarians to unleash the full potential of medical technology. Doing so will help reduce the backlog, relieve pressure on the workforce, streamline pathways and help manage long term chronic conditions.”
