Medical Technology Group

The Medical Technology Group (MTG) is a coalition of patient groups, research charities, industry associations including ABHI and medical devices manufacturers.  The Group was launched in 2000 to make medical technologies available to everyone who needs them. MTG works towards achieving a cutting edge NHS where patients are guaranteed access to effective medical technologies.

MTG achievements 2009

The MTG ran a number of campaigns throughout 2009, the activities of the group included-

Publication of the MTG Action Plan: ‘Medical Technology – Can we afford to miss out?’ The report highlights how the UK lags behind many other European countries in its uptake of proven effective technologies. The report gained broad media coverage- BBC, HSJ and Pharma Times amongst others. The Action Plan has also been endorsed by front bench MPs from both the Conservative and Liberal Democrats.

Parliamentary Showcase- The annual Parliamentary Showcase was held on 13 October at Portcullis House. 18 parliamentarians attended  over the course of the event including Norman Lamb MP and Sandra Gidley MP from the Shadow Lib Dem health team, high profile labour MPs, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Alan Haselhurst, and a number of Conservative and cross-bench peers with an interest in health. 

Research into the wider societal benefits of medical technology (with York Health Economics Research Consortium)- at the beginning of 2009 MTG commissioned the York Health Economics Consortium to produce a report which would demonstrate the wider societal benefits of medical technologies, the first phase of this was completed in August.

Dedicated campaign activity – ‘Pump Action’ Campaign- MTG will be running a number of dedicated campaigns the first of these was around increasing the uptake of Insulin Pumps. The group have liaised with a number of MPs and expect a series of outputs throughout 2010.  

If you would like to view full summary of the MTG’s achievements in 2009 follow this link: Weber Shandwick presentation FINAL.pdf

MTG Work in 2010

2010 will utilise the recently launched Action Plan, focusing on Conservatives and wider stakeholders.  MTG will also build links with think tanks, seek out speaking opportunities and will be looking at holding fringe events at events such as the RCN Congress.
 
Additionally, there will be more press activity, with press statements and letters on key events/announcements, such as the PBR.
 
The MTG will also be looking at launching an All Party Parliamentary Group after the Election.  The Group will focus along the lines of “patient need”.

Further information can be found on the Group’s website www.mtg.org.uk or by contacting the Honorary Secretary daniel.jones@abhi.org.uk .