Bolton West and Atherton MP Chris Green is backing a new campaign to improve patient access to life-changing medical technology on the NHS.
The MP, who is a member of the Science and Technology Select Committee, attended a special Parliamentary reception when the campaign was unveiled during Medical Technology Week (5 – 9 December).
Speaking at the launch, Chris Green said: “We all know people – whether it’s friends, family, neighbours or colleagues – whose lives have been saved or improved by technology provided by the NHS. But, equally, we know of others who were not so fortunate, and who as a result will not be with their families and loved ones this Christmas.
“A lack of consistent access to medical technologies such as the latest pacemakers and surgical techniques means that too many people die unnecessarily before their time. I hope that by raising awareness of some of the facts, that Medical Technology Week will see improved uptake by the NHS in Bolton West and across the country, and so improved access for patients to the best life enhancing and life-saving technologies available.”
This point was echoed by Medical Technology Group Chair, Barbara Harpham, who added: “There are over 500,000 types of medical technologies available to the NHS, and each one has been shown to change patients’ lives and change their health outcomes. The typically short-sighted approach to not invest in proven patient treatments ultimately sees both the patient’s health deteriorate and costs to the NHS increase as long-term conditions worsen and supplementary care is required.
“The NHS should be investing more in upfront technologies for longer term and sustainable health improvement results.”