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Cost of serving the NHS the biggest barrier to innovation?

Four out of every five MedTech companies have seen their costs of serving the NHS increase over the past year, according to an ABHI survey.

A business survey, compiled by the UK’s MedTech trade association, found that the single greatest challenge for companies was selling to the NHS, with 85% experiencing increases due to costly measures such as the eProcurement strategy, credentialing, and added regulatory fees.

The industry, which has grown at a rate of 9% in recent years, is now worth over £17 billion to the UK economy. However, uncertainty around Brexit has meant over one third of companies have delayed investment decisions. 70% of companies expect their exports to Europe to increase in 2018. This is higher than any other market and highlights the need to manage Brexit correctly, to ensure the trading opportunity that Europe represents is not lost.

Commenting on the findings, ABHI CEO Peter Ellingworth said: “The messages from our members are clear. We must get Brexit right to ensure patients have prompt access to products. The current procurement environment is hostile to companies when if focusses purely on the lowest cost. Failure to purchase on the basis of quality and value to the system is not beneficial to the patient, nor does it provide efficiency. Quality is critical to providing safe and effective care, whilst delivering long-term savings to the NHS.”

To minimise any disruption to the supply of products to patients, the industry is calling on law makers to adopt the European-wide regulatory model. To maintain and protect the health of both EU and UK citizens, it is also important to ensure that the cross-border movement of goods remains as seamless as possible.

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Upcoming Events

Central Sterilising Club - Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Crowne Plaza at Gerrard’s Cross
15th April 2024 – 16th April 2024

DECON UK 2024

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
17th April 2024

Infection Prevention & Control

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
23rd - 24th April 2024

Theatres & Decontamination Conference 2024

Coventry Building Society Arena
16th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Birmingham

Millennium Point, Birmingham
18th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Exeter

University of Exeter
22nd June 2024

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

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