12 September 2024 Cluster News:
Responding to today’s report from Lord Darzi about the future of the NHS, David Kidney of the West Midlands Health Technologies Cluster says there are many businesses in the West Midlands right now who can supply NHS organisations with the technologies that can help.
In his rapid review, requested by the new Government, Lord Darzi highlights a lack of investment in technology and says that reform is needed in three key areas, one which os a “transition to a digital NHS” (the other two are moving more care from hospitals to communities and focusing efforts on prevention over sickness).
David Kidney, Executive Chair of the Cluster, says Lord Darzi’s report makes clear that NHS organisations need to adopt technologies at scale and at pace – and West Midlands businesses are ready to supply them:
“Recent research we commissioned tells us that in the area of the Combined Authority alone there are over 600 HealthTech businesses, supporting tens of thousands of jobs directly and in their supply chains who are adding gross value to our region’s economy of £5.6bn every year.
“Across the Midlands as a whole, a report by Midlands Engine identifies over 1,200 HealthTech businesses.
“We have the products and services, the skills and the talent in our HealthTech sector that NHS organisations need if they are to rise to Lord Darzi’s challenge.
“Our businesses, and the universities who support them, offer solutions across research and development, access to data and clinical trials, diagnostics, medical devices, digital health systems, and innovation. These are backed by a wealth of skills and talent, and the ability to deliver training at scale for staff who will be expected to operate these technologies”.
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Note to Editors:
West Midlands Health Technologies Cluster promotes growth, both in our region’s economy and the number of good quality jobs, through support for the expanding number of HealthTech businesses located in the West Midlands.
For further information CONTACT
David Kidney
E: david@wmhtc.co.uk
T: 07966 378844