Lord Darzi of Denham’s independent investigation of the National Health Service highlights issues of regional variation, underinvestment in technology, and the need for earlier diagnosis, referencing the Medical Technology Group’s research into NHS performance

“Lord Darzi’s report on the state of the NHS alludes to many of the issues that the Medical Technology Group has been highlighting for some time and – encouragingly – draws on our research into the performance and use of best practice among Integrated Care Systems.

“Variation in regional performance and access to life-saving and life-enhancing medical technology have prevented the NHS from delivering the consistent quality of care that we know it is capable of providing to every patient in the country, no matter where they live.

“Underinvestment in diagnostic equipment and technology compared to other nations has also been an issue, meaning many patients have required more complex interventions as their conditions have progressed, treatments that could have been avoided with an earlier diagnosis.

“Lord Darzi’s report also highlights the NHS’s contribution to the nation’s prosperity. Multiple studies – including the MTG’s ‘Keeping Britain Working’ paper – provide clear evidence of the role that medical technology can play in helping people manage their own conditions and return to their normal lives and to work.

“We hope that the new government and NHS leaders take on board the messages in this report, recognising that the correct use of resources and the adoption of medical technology that improves efficiency and positively impacts patients’ lives has a key role to play in building an NHS that’s fit for the future and that the nation can be proud of.”

Barbara Harpham, Chair of the Medical Technology Group

September 2024