How can we effectively harness the potential of medical technology to meaningfully improve patients’ lives?

With Lord Darzi’s topline recommendation that the NHS “tilts to technology” over the next ten years, this was the question that brought together parliamentarians, patients and industry at the MTG’s annual reception in Westminster this year.

The event was opened by Baroness Merron, a minister in the Department for Health and Social Care who thanked the MTG for its work following the reference to the group’s latest Rationwatch study in the Darzi report.

Alongside this we heard from David Lawson, Director of Medical Technology, and Jacqui Rock, Chief Commercial Officer, at NHS England. We also heard from Dr Peter Prinsley, part of a new cohort of MPs in attendance eager to hear from the patients themselves how their lives had been transformed by medical technology.

As always the most powerful speakers were the patients. Attendees heard from Olympic Champion Pete Reed, who spoke about the huge difference medical devices have made in helping him deal with the day to day challenges of a spinal cord injury.

Murray Goulder explained how a subcutaneous electroencephalogram (EEG) had helped him control his epilepsy seizures. Both underlined the important insights patients can offer, and why it is so important the NHS continues to develop systems and forums in which these insights inform the transformation using technology.

With our ongoing work to end the postcode lottery of access, and implement the best available technology on the NHS, the patient voice is, and always will be, our most powerful asset.

December 2024