Putting Patients First Week 2020

#PuttingPatientsFirst

Due to the ongoing significant impact of Covid-19 on the health and social care sector, the Medical Technology Group staged its new patient-focused campaign, Putting Patients First Week in September 2020.

Commencing on the 14th September, the virtual activity week centred on ensuring patients are able to access care on the NHS through a focus on the following three recommendations:

Our 3 recommendations:

NHS and Government to provide clear communication to patients around accessing NHS services
Ensure patients can work with healthcare professionals to make informed decisions around their own care
Central guidance to be provided to NHS Trusts to increase capacity through joint working in local areas and making use of independent providers

Patient case studies

As part of Putting Patients First Week, we published real-life stories from patients about their experiences of receiving treatment throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as how medical technology has helped transform their lives.

Lewis Benn, TAVI patient

Lewis Benn, a retired postman and hospital worker, was awaiting treatment for severe aortic stenosis at the height of the Covid-19 outbreak. In April, Lewis received a pioneering treatment called Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation, also known as TAVI. Lewis was admitted, treated and discharged over the course of just 3 days. Having previously suffered from breathlessness, Lewis is now reporting huge benefits from the procedure; he is now able to breathe, walk around the park, engage in light exercise, and even enjoy trips away.

Read Lewis’ story here.

Suzanne Dilworth, chronic pain patient

After having undergone major back surgery ten years ago, Suzanne Dilworth was left with permanently damaged nerves, causing chronic pain. Suzanne was subsequently offered a spinal cord stimulator, a medical device that sends low levels of electricity directly to the spinal cord to relieve pain, and has since been able to move on with her life and progress in her career. However, just as the Covid-19 outbreak arrived, Suzanne’s stimulator required a battery replacement. Despite the pandemic, Suzanne underwent treatment and highlights the efficiency of her experience.

Access additional video content via our Youtube channel.

Technology case studies

We also published case studies of how technology can improve care for patients and deliver efficiencies for the NHS.

Transnasal Endoscopy

Increasing the provision of gastrointestinal endoscopy via the ‘transnasal’ method will provide faster access for patients, improve the experience patients receive and help the NHS to address the shortfall in endoscopy services via this innovative technique.

Patients and Medical Technology Survey

In summer 2020, we asked UK patients about their experiences of receiving care during the Covid-19 pandemic, and more generally, their views on – and experience of – medical, wearable, and communications technology.

The results are accessible in the following infographic and media release.