Greg Smith MP was pleased to host a working lunch with the Medical Technology Group and attended the Medical Technology Awareness Week reception today.
Med Tech plays an enormous role in saving and prolonging lives and Greg is committed to promoting the most rapid take up of new technologies in the NHS.
The theme of the event was calling for the NHS to involve patients more in key decision making about the use of life-changing technology.
The Medical Technology Group is a not for profit organisation comprising patient groups, research charities, and medical device manufacturers that is calling on NHS leaders to do more to involve patients in their care, pointing to the ongoing role of technology in treating patients at home and allowing them to manage long term conditions.
Greg Smith hailed the advances in providing world class treatments and technology on the NHS, but suggested greater access to new technologies could be improved by involving patients in decisions about their care.
"Giving patients a voice when it comes to their care can allow them to access the right treatment on the NHS. All too often there are instances where patients do not have timely and equitable access to the best available medical treatments and technology. A vital means to do this is by empowering the patient's voice in decision making across the NHS."
The reception comes off the back of two previous reports by the MTG into meaningful patient involvement on the NHS, warning that NHS commissioners and NHS leaders are overlooking the experiences of patients when it comes to making important decisions about their care.
Barbara Harpham, Chair of the MTG, said: "Medical technology empowers patients by allowing them to live more fulfilling lives while keeping them out of hospital. Moving to value-based commissioning processes based on their experience and providing proper patient representation at ICS board level is essential. It will allow for timely and equitable access to the best available medical technology and treatments across the NHS."
