The UK is to introduce ‘innovator passports’ to allow new health technology tested in one hospital to be rolled out rapidly across the country. The move is part of the UK’s Plan for Change to transform the country’s National Health Service, with the aim of transforming the health service’s ability to deliver healthcare across the country.

According to the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), NHS patients across the country “will get accelerated access to cutting edge technology through a new digital system that will cut red tape and boost life science”.

The UK Government plans to establish a “‘one-stop shop’ thorough check” in any NHS hospital that will allow businesses “to get to work as quickly as possible and deliver” across the country.

The government wants patients will get more effective treatments and support quicker. It claims that the new strategy will allow the NHS to make the most of its finite assessment resource, all while businesses are given a boost through the government’s industrial strategy.

According to the strategy, digital system will allow companies to innovate faster and patients can pioneering tech as soon as it’s ready to be rolled out

The strategy also aims to provide a major boost to the life sciences sector, by providing funding and a fast-track medical device regulatory regime.

Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said: “For too long, Britain’s leading scientific minds have been held back by needless admin that means suppliers are repeatedly asked for the same data in different formats by different trusts – this is bad for the NHS, patients and bad for business. These innovator passports will save time and reduce duplication, meaning our life sciences sector – a central part of our 10 Year Health Plan – can work hand in hand with the health service and make Britain a powerhouse for medical technology.”

Dr Vin Diwakar, Clinical Transformation Director at NHS England, said: ” We’re seeing the impact improvements to technology are having on our everyday lives on everything from smartwatches to fitness trackers – and we want to make sure NHS patients can benefit from the latest medical technology and innovations as well. The new innovator passports will speed up the roll-out of new health technology in the NHS which has been proven to be effective, so that patients can benefit from new treatments much sooner. It also forms an important element of the industrial strategy through the upcoming Life Sciences Sector Plan, which will turbocharge Britain’s life sciences sector and cement the UK’s position as a global innovation leader.”