United Kingdom Member of Parliament of Indian origin Virendra Sharma participated in a reception at Westminster this week, advocating for increased patient involvement in crucial decision-making processes regarding the implementation of life-changing medical technology within the National Health Service (NHS). The event, hosted by the Medical Technology Group (MTG), a not-for-profit organisation comprising patient groups, research charities, and medical device manufacturers, emphasized the necessity for NHS leaders to incorporate patient perspectives, particularly in light of the evolving role of technology in home-based patient care and the management of chronic conditions.
While acknowledging the commendable strides made in delivering world-class treatments and technology through the NHS, Virendra Sharma proposed that enhanced patient engagement in decision-making could further optimize access to new technologies.
“Empowering patients with a voice in their care enables them to avail themselves of the most appropriate treatment within the NHS. Unfortunately, instances persist where patients face delays and disparities in accessing the latest medical treatments and technology. A pivotal avenue to address this is by elevating the patient’s role in decision-making processes throughout the NHS.”
The reception builds upon two prior reports by the MTG, underscoring the critical need for meaningful patient involvement in NHS initiatives. These reports cautioned that both NHS commissioners and leaders are currently overlooking patient experiences when making pivotal decisions regarding healthcare.
Barbara Harpham, Chair of the MTG, emphasized the transformative impact of medical technology on patient empowerment, enabling them to lead more fulfilling lives while reducing hospitalization. She urged a shift towards value-based commissioning processes that reflect patient experiences and advocated for proper patient representation at Integrated Care System (ICS) board levels. This, she asserted, would ensure timely and equitable access to cutting-edge medical technology and treatments throughout the NHS.
Notable figures addressing the reception included Lord Markham, Minister in the Department of Health and Social Care; Chris Hopson, Chief Strategy Officer of NHS England; Dr. Sam Roberts, Chief Executive of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice); and David Lawson, Director of Medical Technology at the Department of Health and Social Care.
All NHS staff deserve a real pay increase that reflects their courage through the Pandemic and the current rise in the cost of living now. We need to invest in our NHS and all its brilliant staff. In view of Virendra Sharma’s plea for inclusion of patients in decision making for using appropriate technology will go a long way in India in serving dual purpose of more fulfilling lives while reducing hospitalization. The patient representation in integrated care system and adoption of cutting-edge medical technology and treatments will serve the medical system offer better services to the patients.in India as well.
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