An innovative national body for health technology is improving the quality of care in Wales.
Health Technology Wales was set up by ministerial recommendation at the end of 2017 to develop a strategic approach to the identification, appraisal and adoption of non-medicine technologies.
“Our team of 16 professionals research and evaluate the best available evidence about non-medicine health technologies to determine clinical and cost effectiveness,” said Dr Susan Myles, Director of Health Technology Wales. “Based on the evidence, Health Technology Wales publishes Guidance on whether the technology should be adopted for use in Wales.”
There have been eight pieces of Guidance published so far, including; mechanical chest compression for patients with cardiac arrests, radiotracers for recurring prostate cancer and glucose monitoring devices for diabetes.
Speaking about the organisation’s first anniversary in November 2018, Vaughan Gething AM, Minister for Health and Social Services, said:
“I welcome the progress made by Health Technology Wales in its first year. They are delivering high quality, evidence-informed advice to our health boards on a range of non-medicine technologies. This is important work that will ensure our health service in Wales is at the forefront of modern technology.”
The team, located at the Life Sciences Hub Wales in Cardiff Bay, respond to the needs of service users and care providers. They collaborate with partners across health, social care and the technology sectors to ensure an all-Wales approach. A Patient and Public Involvement group has been set up for patient voices to be heard, and a similar group for industry will follow.
Health Technology Wales is funded by Welsh Government and hosted within Velindre University NHS Trust but is independent of both. It also acts as an initial point of contact, or ‘front door’ for technology developers and industry.
Non-medicine health and care technologies make a real difference to people’s lives in Wales. Do you know a non-medicine technology that Health Technology Wales could appraise? Anyone can suggest a topic at www.healthtechnology.wales
