Is the UK life science strategy too ambitious for the NHS?
The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee took evidence for its inquiry into Life Sciences and the Industrial Strategy on Thursday 9 November. The committee questioned representatives from NHS England, Innovate UK and Catapults.
Sir John Bell’s life science strategy sets out the important role the NHS must play in the UK life sciences sector, including faster adoption of innovative new technologies and treatments. However, there are concerns that the NHS is not ready for this level of innovation with issues including funding, resources and the culture of the NHS.
The committee explored with the witnesses their views on how NHS England can help successfully implement the objectives of the strategy. The first evidence session will begin at 10.10 am and the Committee questioned:
- Dr Ruth McKernan, chief executive, Innovate UK
- Chris Molloy, CEO, Medicines Discovery Catapult
- Keith Thompson, CEO, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
- Professor Graham Hillier, strategy and futures director, Centre for Process Innovation, High Value Manufacturing Catapult
The second evidence session questioned:
- Ian Dodge, national director for strategy and innovation
- Professor Mike Hannay, director of the East Midlands Academic Health Science Network
- Professor Keith McNeil, chief clinical information officer health and social care
Topics covered across the sessions included:
- The role of the witnesses’ organisations in the implementation of the strategy
- How academics and NHS clinicians can better collaborate on important research
- The role of commissioners in adoption of innovations and whether NHS Trusts should be offered financial incentives for the adoption of innovations
- How the relationship between UKRI and Innovate UK will help with innovation and commercialisation of science