MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY AND THE NHS

Motion Text

That this House welcomes the Government's intention to establish the Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection as the body tasked with monitoring the implementation of NICE guidance on medical devices both rigorously and effectively; acknowledges the clinical and economic benefits of medical technology in reducing hospital waiting lists, alleviating bed-blocking and improving the quality of life for many patients including cardiac and orthopaedic patients; supports the view of the Wanless Report (April 2002) that, to its detriment, the UK invests significantly less in health care technologies that other EU member states; and urges the Government to ensure that guidance on technologies approved by NICE is swiftly implemented by primary care trusts for medical technologies including coronary artery stents, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, metal on metal hip resurfacing and knee transplants.