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Medical Technology Regulations and the NHS
28 March 2023
Lead MP
Caroline Dinenage
Gosport
Con
Responding Minister
Will Quince
Tags
NHSTaxationBrexitMental HealthChildren & Families
Word Count: 6498
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Caroline Dinenage raised concerns about medical technology regulations and the nhs in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The MP asks the Minister to confirm the timescales for the new model to ensure continued patient access to health tech and to assure her that the MHRA stands ready to accelerate the approval of promising dementia treatments as soon as they become available. She also seeks assurance that systems like NICE will not be obstacles to swift drug availability.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The MP is concerned about the challenges faced by the NHS in accessing life-saving and life-enhancing health technologies due to post-Brexit regulatory changes. She highlights that over 54,000 people are waiting for treatment in her local area with an average wait of 16.9 weeks. Additionally, there are delays in bringing dementia drugs to market which could significantly impact patient outcomes.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
He commended the importance of medical technology in the NHS, generating over £27 billion annually and providing around 138,000 jobs. Andrew highlighted Labour's ambition for a 10-year plan to revolutionise care, focusing on early detection and prevention using genomics and new technologies. He expressed concern about the long adoption period of medtech devices in the NHS, which currently takes approximately 17 years according to the Health Tech Alliance.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Regulation is essential for health services, but it must go hand in hand with demand. Access to life-saving treatments should be prioritised.
Martyn Day
SNP
Linlithgow and East Falkirk
The regulation of medical devices is crucial for patient safety, with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency overseeing all medicines and medical devices. However, there are concerns that the UK Government's Retained EU Law Bill could remove important protections and standards, leading to potential adverse events in the NHS.
Government Response
Will Quince
Government Response
The Minister highlighted the importance of medical technology to UK plc, NHS, and patients. He announced £10 million funding for MHRA over two years to support innovation and expedite access to new treatments while maintaining regulatory standards. The first set of regulatory changes will be implemented by summer, followed by a transition period for CE-marked devices into law. Post-market surveillance requirements are planned for later this year. The Minister pledged to collaborate with industry and innovators to address healthcare challenges and accelerate the adoption of medtech innovations.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.