The NHS is launching a new system to allow approved medical technologies to be adopted across trusts without repeated assessments.
The digital platform, called MedTech Compass, will support “innovator passports” enabling healthcare tools approved by one NHS organisation to be used by others without duplication.
The aim is to reduce delays, cut bureaucracy and simplify the rollout of medical technologies across the system.
Wes Streeting, secretary of state for health and social care, said:
“For too long, Britain’s leading scientific minds have been held back by needless admin that means suppliers are repeatedly asked for the same data in different formats by different trusts – this is bad for the NHS, patients and bad for business.
“These innovator passports will save time and reduce duplication, meaning our life sciences sector – a central part of our 10 Year Health Plan – can work hand in hand with the health service and make Britain a powerhouse for medical technology.”
“Frustrated patients will no longer have to face a postcode lottery for lifesaving products to be introduced in their area and companies will be able to get their technology used across the NHS more easily, creating a health service fit for future under the Plan for Change.”
Under the new system, once a device or treatment has been assessed by one NHS body, other trusts will not be able to request the same data in different formats.
The passports will be introduced over the next two years as part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan and Plan for Change.
MedTech Compass will also act as a central buyer’s guide, helping NHS trusts compare products side-by-side and access implementation data from other sites.
The platform is intended to improve decision-making and speed up the adoption of proven technologies..
The initiative is also intended to help ensure faster access to treatment and more effective use of NHS assessment resources.
It forms part of the government’s industrial strategy through the upcoming Life Sciences Sector Plan, which aims to strengthen the UK’s life sciences sector.
Dr Vin Diwakar, clinical transformation director at NHS England, said the passports would accelerate the roll-out of proven technologies.
He said: “We’re seeing the impact improvements to technology are having on our everyday lives on everything from smartwatches to fitness trackers – and we want to make sure NHS patients can benefit from the latest medical technology and innovations as well.
“The new innovator passports will speed up the roll-out of new health technology in the NHS which has been proven to be effective, so that patients can benefit from new treatments much sooner.”
