The Medical Technology Group (MTG) welcomes the Government’s plans and funding commitment to address the backlog in elective care caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, as set out in its Delivery plan for tackling the COVID-19 backlog of elective care.

The plan aims to address many of the issues that have been raised consistently by the MTG, including access to elective care and improved diagnostics. The MTG appreciates the significance of the Government’s financial commitment (£10 billion from 2022 through 2025, coupled with other dedicated funding for other initiatives), as indicative of a high level of commitment to address the concerns that have been raised.

Commenting on the plan, Barbara Harpham, chair of the MTG, said: “We’re delighted to see the Government prioritise and take action on this important issue and back it up with significant funding. The impact of Covid on elective care has been devastating, with millions of patients now anxiously awaiting vital diagnostics or treatment, which – if not addressed – could lead to even more serious conditions later down the line.

“The Government has listened to the concerns of the MTG and others and has taken decisive action. In particular, it’s encouraging to see a greater emphasis on patient choice on location of treatment, as well as funding for Community Diagnostic Centres, in the plan.”

With the major investment in elective care, accompanied by a credible workforce strategy, the MTG is hopeful that the regional inequalities, which until now have prevented patients from accessing proven treatments, can be addressed, with progress on this and the backlog reduction closely monitored.
Barbara Harpham added, “Funding has always been the barrier to resolving the postcode lottery. With this renewed support, we are now looking forward to working with the Government and NHS England to level up access to life changing and life enhancing treatments that deliver long term benefits to patients, society and the economy.”

February 2022