BIVDA attended the MedTech Innovation Parliamentary Reception on the evening of 25 May. Parliament’s Churchill Room was filled with illuminating chatter throughout the evening as organisations, experts and policymakers all sought to learn more about exciting developments in the MedTech sphere and how innovation can be supported.
Among many others, we were delighted to see Baroness Masham of Ilton, Chris Stirling of the MedTech Directorate and Anne Marie Morris MP. The latter two made excellent speeches following a comprehensive introduction by Chris Whitehouse, Chair of the Urology Trade Association.
Anne Marie Morris MP gave a personal account, stemming from her constituents’ issues, of the desperate need to support those with urological conditions, not just for their wellbeing but to prevent them from being unnecessarily sent to hospital. This is economically inefficient, she said, particularly when innovative solutions are available.
Following on from Anne Marie, Chris Stirling championed the use of innovative products in the MedTech sector, particularly in the post-pandemic environment which we now inhabit. He also spoke about targeted choice for patients – that only the best, most effective products should be available for use rather than allowing the market to be swamped by subpar products.
Lastly, Dave Bracher, Campaigns Manager at the Spinal Injuries Association, spoke movingly and frankly about his experience of spinal cord injury. He personally thanked Baroness Masham for her pioneering campaigning work in that area and called for greater patient participation in care decisions to ensure positive outcomes are reached.
It was incredibly inspiring to bring together so many brilliant people who all see the essential value in MedTech’s ability, both now and in the future, to save lives and improve the quality of life for millions of people across this country.
1 in every 2 people will suffer from a urological condition in their lifetime – the tireless work and activism of those in the room and beyond will ensure that our collective suffering will be lessened in future.
