Chris Whitehouse, a political consultant and expert on medical technology policy and regulation at Whitehouse Communications, an advisor to MedTech suppliers, chair of the Urology Trade Association, and governor of the Anscombe Bioethics Centre, looks at the opportunity for digital devices, assistive technology and MedTech as a major reform of social care is announced.
Assistive and digital technology are set to play an important role in delivering the UK Government’s ambitions for the reform of social care.
The UK’s recently elected Labour Government has announced short-term steps to support the social care sector and support care workers while also planning long-term reforms. These reforms include creating a National Care Service with national standards for consistent care.
An independent commission, chaired by Baroness Casey of Blackstock, will provide recommendations for rebuilding the adult social care system on the basis of a cross-party consensus.
Key steps towards that goal, announced jointly by Health Secretary, Wes Streeting MP, and Social Care Minister, Stephen Kinnock MP, include:
- Establishing national standards and guidance for care technology to ensure safety and effectiveness.
- Encouraging investment in technologies like sensor-based devices to help people live independently and reduce NHS demand.
- Integrating technology into care plans to keep patients at home rather than in hospitals.
- Joining up health and care services by supporting care workers in healthcare activities and enabling real-time data access for health and care staff.
These measures aim to improve care quality, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance coordination between health and social care services. Suppliers of assistive, digital and MedTech products should proactively engage with the review process to demonstrate the contribution they could make to delivering the government’s ambitions.
The Author used AI in preparing this article. Comments upon or questions about this article can be addressed to chris.whitehouse@whitehousecomms.com.
