Last Friday (27th January), Doris-Ann had a one-to-one meeting with David Lawson, the Director Medical Technology, NHS Policy and Performance within the DHSC. Many of you will have heard David when he spoke at the BIVDA Members conference in October, just before he started this role.
David is keen to work with BIVDA members to understand more about the role our products play and shared that the Medical Technology Strategy will be published today; the link is available here.
He is also keen to hear about any pain points of blocks we are experiencing including any issues with payment terms. His team at DHSC work closely with the finance group led by Jacqui Rock at NHS England – it may well be in time they become part of NHS England – so there will be joined up policy being developed and implemented.
David is keen to get everyone at DHSC to understand medical technology better so has designated March as Medical Technology Awareness Month with the Department. This includes having real pieces of technology on show and David would welcome any contributions from BIVDA members, particularly companies that could offer time doing point of care testing.
David is also taking his immediate team on site visits to see the R&D and Manufacturing behind MedTech and so again it would be great to hear from any members who could offer a facility tour in the coming months. If you would be interested in either of these opportunities, then please get in touch with Doris-Ann directly.
Doris-Ann was also pleased to hear that the Secretary of State for Health has implemented a requirement for the heads of organisations such as MHRA, NHS England and NICE to work one or two days per week within the DHSC in a designated space to improve communication and facilitate joint working – good to hear practical ideas like this for improvement taking place.
