How can we turn strategy into action? With the Ten Year Plan, the Life Sciences Strategy, and Lord Darzi’s call for the NHS to “tilt

to technology,” this was the theme of this year’s Medical Technology Awareness Week reception at the Houses of Parliament. Unsurprisingly, it was one of our busiest and most engaged yet.

The day started with the launch of our Culture on Commission, an in-depth investigation built on what we see, hear, and encounter across the NHS, designed to understand how to create a culture of innovation that can transform the health service.

The first report, co-authored by Roger Greer and his team, looks at the culture of accountability and innovation in the NHS, examining in detail how ICB mergers and the abolition of NHS England may impact delivery.

A discussion hosted by Robin Swann MP with Seb Rees, David Lawson, and Wil Woan explored the often underdiscussed, but vitally important, issue of local accountability in the NHS. The panel also discussed insights from ICB leaders on how they believe the Ten Year Plan can be put into action. We strongly encourage you to read the full report.

Later in the day, we hosted our annual MedTech Week reception, hosted by Kevin McKenna MP on the Commons Terrace. Clinicians and healthcare leaders met with patients to be reminded just how vital medical technology, from robotics to hip replacements, is for supporting the day-to-day lives of NHS patients.

This year’s patient speakers included Linda Griffiths from Colostomy UK, who spoke movingly about her struggle to access a simple medical device that helped her overcome complications from diverticulitis. Her story highlighted the ongoing barriers patients face when accessing proven technologies that ultimately allow them to return to their normal life and work.

We also heard from Olympian Roger Black, diagnosed with congenital heart disease at the age of 11, who explained how a cutting-edge artificial heart valve is helping him manage his condition and live an active, fulfilling life. “Over the next twenty years, the technology will only get better,” he said, reminding us of the critical importance of equitable access on the NHS.

The reception was rounded off by Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, who highlighted the £300 million of additional capital investment in NHS technology announced in the recent budget. He emphasised his commitment to supporting the NHS in procuring products based on long-term value delivered to patients rather than just cost.

We always enjoy our annual reception, but this year felt different. After years of campaigning, we sense a real momentum for change in overcoming barriers and improving the spread and adoption of effective technologies.

Over the next year, we’re very excited to be launching more reports from our Commission on NHS Culture, exploring how the system understands long-term value, patient insight, collaboration, and the spread of best practice in these areas.