About our speakers

Richard Smale (Director of System Coordination, NHSE South West)

Richard has worked for the NHS for over 30 years in a broad range of roles including as an accountant, general manager, head of IT services, and as Executive Director of Strategy and Transformation. These roles have involved working for community, mental health, and acute providers, as well as a Commissioning Support Unit, Clinical Commissioning Group, and ICB. His current role is with NHSE South West where he works to coordinate the relationship with local integrated care systems.

Following the recent announcements of the integration of NHSE with the DHSC, and the required reduction in the size of ICBs, Richard will be the Programme Director for the transition programme in the South West. In this context, Richard will bring relevant insights into the changes in the structure of the NHS that are expected to emerge over the coming months.

Gail Fortes Mayer (Associate Director of Strategic Commissioning, NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit)

Gail has 20 years’ experience in the NHS in commissioning and performance improvement roles. Her past and current roles have involved overseeing commissioning for specialised services, elective and diagnostic pathways, long-term conditions, and cancer. As such, she is ideally placed to comment on the practical implications of the changes we are witnessing in NHSE and DHSC, and the budgetary challenges facing ICBs.

The post Live Q&A: Beyond NHS England – Navigating changes at NHSE and DHSC appeared first on Mtech Access.

About our speakers

Tim Goodson (Executive Officer, Dorset General Practice Alliance and former Integrated Care System [ICS] system leader)

Tim Goodson spent his career working within the NHS helping to improve services for patients. Most recently Tim was the ICS lead for Dorset as well as being the Chief Executive for Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) for 9 years. These roles enabled him to take a leadership role both locally and nationally, enabling Dorset to be at the forefront of promoting an integrated approach across health and social care.

Under Tim’s stewardship, Dorset undertook a comprehensive Clinical Service Review that set out the roadmap for how Dorset wanted to transform health services to improve patient care, whilst at the same time offering a sustainable solution for the NHS in Dorset. During Tim’s career he has held a broad range of executive responsibilities including the post of Director of Finance for three Primary Care Trusts also spanning 9 years. Tim now runs his own company providing consultancy services and hands on support to boards, and is also a Trustee of a local hospice.

Ashleigh Boreham (Deputy Director Partnerships, Research and Innovation, NHS Dorset and formerly Deputy Chief Officer Strategy and Transformation, NHS Dorset)

Ashleigh is a highly experienced healthcare leader with a career spanning over two decades. In addition to his role as Deputy Director Partnerships, Research and Innovation, his current portfolio also includes his role as Programme Director for Oral Health and the Medical School, in addition to leading on Creative Health and on Health for the Armed Forces Community.

He previously served for 27 years in the Regular Army, deploying to the Balkans, Sierra Leone, Kenya and Oman before joining the NHS in 2020. He was Head of Medical Operations in Germany and Afghanistan, and commanded two Field Hospitals, deploying to Iraq and Kosovo in this role. He was awarded the Order of St John in 2001. Previous appointments included Corps Colonel and Head of Career Management for the Army Medical Services, leading strategic workforce planning and medical training.

The post Live Q&A: Beyond NHS England – Restructuring and its implications for Pharma and Medtech appeared first on Mtech Access.

Yesterday, Sir Jim Mackey, interim CEO of NHS England (NHSE), announced a significant restructuring of integrated care boards (ICBs), mandating a 50% reduction in their costs. This drastic measure will lead to the merger of several ICBs and a substantial reduction in leadership roles.

In the past week, several key executives at NHSE have resigned, including the CEO, CFO, CSO, and CMO. Sir Jim Mackey has already convened the ICBs in London, announcing a 50% reduction in leadership positions. This move is part of an effort to reverse a £7 billion deficit.

The impact of these changes will be profound. Staff at all levels within NHSE and ICBs will face significant disruption, leading to a halt in procurement reform and stalling of delegation and collaboration projects. The Treasury will fund redundancies, but approvals above £95K will require national consent, adding further tension.

The exact number of clinicians holding board roles in ICBs across England is not readily available. However, it is known that ICBs include a significant number of clinicians among their staff, with many holding influential positions. The restructuring and cost-cutting measures will likely impact these roles significantly. Unions are expected to get involved, adding more uncertainty to the situation. This turmoil will take at least 12 months to resolve, leaving many feeling disempowered and uncertain about the future.

Impact on the Pharmaceutical industry

The restructuring of NHS England and ICBs is expected to have significant repercussions for the pharmaceutical industry. With procurement reform halted and collaboration projects stalled, the process of acquiring medicines and medical devices will face delays and uncertainties. This disruption could lead to a slowdown in the introduction of new treatments and technologies, affecting patient care and innovation.

Furthermore, the financial strain on NHS England, including efforts to reverse a £7 billion deficit, may result in tighter budgets for medicines and medical devices. Pharmaceutical companies may face challenges in negotiating prices and securing contracts, potentially impacting their revenue and market stability. This could lead to delays in decision-making and further complicate the procurement process. The overall environment will be marked by tension and disarray, making it difficult for pharmaceutical companies to navigate the changing landscape. The intent is to start immediately and this will be the third time the ICBs (and previously, Clinical Commissioning Groups [CCGs]) have been asked to make radical changes.

As the NHS undergoes these turbulent changes, the pharmaceutical industry must stay agile and prepared for the challenges ahead. Collaboration and proactive engagement with NHS stakeholders will be crucial to ensure continued access to innovative treatments and maintain the quality of patient care.

Join us for a live Q&A session to learn more.

Emphasising patient care and support for frontline staff

In these challenging times, it is more important than ever to prioritise patient care, reduce waiting lists, and support frontline staff. A clear engagement strategy focused on systems, pathways, and patients, as well as decisions on reimbursement, is essential. By maintaining a strong focus on these areas, we can ensure that the quality of care remains high and that the healthcare system continues to function effectively despite the ongoing changes. Working with expertise embedded at the heart of the NHS changes will become the norm for progressive market access teams. With our network of NHS Associates, this is an area we can support you with. To explore what this means for your UK market access strategy and NHS engagement, contact us today.

The post The abolition of NHS England: Navigating NHS restructuring and its impact on the pharmaceutical industry appeared first on Mtech Access.

The symposium featured the following guest speakers and facilitators:

• Professor Hilary Garratt CBE (ICB NHS Non-Executive Director, Accredited Senior Executive Coach and Mentor)
• Dr Raj Patel MBE (Former Senior Medical Director in NHS England, NHS Transformation Consultant)
• Patrick McGinley (Head of Costing and Service Line Reporting, NHS Trust)
• Gail Fortes Mayer (Associate Director of Strategic Commissioning, ICB)

The symposium brought National Health Service (NHS) leaders and life sciences experts together to discuss the future of healthcare, focusing on innovation, collaboration, and transformation. The event launched with an energising discussion on the life sciences sector’s crucial role in advancing patient care. This discussion identified several surmountable barriers to partnership, which highlighted the need for new ways of working from both the NHS and industry. The ambition to make real change was evident throughout.

NHS–industry collaboration

The symposium stressed the critical importance of NHS–industry synergy to drive access, innovation, and transformation. Whilst the NHS’s complexity and constant evolution pose challenges, these partnerships can greatly improve patient outcomes and care quality. Mtech Access offer training solutions specifically designed to help industry partners navigate and understand these complexities, paving the way for more effective collaborations.

Stakeholder engagement

Understanding key stakeholders and funding models emerged as essential to building successful partnerships and optimising patient outcomes. The symposium offered a valuable platform for NHS leaders and industry representatives to connect, share insights, and strengthen partnerships for the future.

Policy and leadership

Attendees highlighted the need for strong leadership to navigate volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments. Public dialogue and promoting integrated care promotion were emphasised as essential strategies for navigating the complexities of the healthcare system.

Digital transformation and workforce expansion

Other central themes included digital transformation, balancing finances, workforce expansion, and nurturing talent. The discussion emphasised the need for reform in social care and action to meet the needs of an ageing population.

Integrated care

Integrated Care Partnerships, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), and provider collaboratives were explored as mechanisms to improve patient outcomes, enhance productivity, reduce inequalities, and drive broader economic and social growth. These new structures present a unique opportunity for the life sciences industry to engage at scale and support the development of a more efficient, cohesive healthcare system.

Evidence-driven approach

The symposium emphasised the value of an evidence-driven approach to address population health needs and deliver proactive care. Leveraging data to improve planning and care delivery can help the NHS tackle its most pressing challenges. As an evidence-driven approach is at the heart of what we do at Mtech Access, it was encouraging to hear this advocated by both NHS and industry. We look forward to exploring how data can be best leveraged by our industry partners and the NHS to aid improved relationships and better outcomes for patients.

Challenges and opportunities

Our guest speakers also examined workforce shortages and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Industry partners were urged to drive rapid innovation and secure funding to support these advancements.

Partnering with NHS Integrated Care Systems

Successful engagement with NHS Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) requires a strategic, collaborative approach. Key takeaways for industry partners included:

Understanding ICS structures

Each ICS has its own unique priorities and challenges. Partners who spend time learning more about the local context and specific needs of the ICS they engage with will be better positioned to collaborate effectively.

Mtech Access’s training programmes help partners develop this understanding, making the ICS landscape easier to navigate.

Building strong relationships

Establishing relationships with key ICS stakeholders, including clinical leaders, commissioners, and decision-makers, is crucial. Building trust and showing a commitment to improving patient outcomes will set a strong foundation for success.

Aligning with NHS priorities

Tailoring your initiatives to the priorities of the NHS, such as improving outcomes, enhancing productivity, tackling inequalities, and supporting economic and social growth is essential. Customised proposals aligned with each ICS’s goals can make a meaningful impact.

Demonstrating value

Clearly communicating the value that your solutions offer, including clinical, economic, and operational benefits, is key. Evidence of successful implementations and measurable outcomes can reinforce your case for partnership.

Mtech Access experts in value communication and evidence can help you communicate your proposition in a way that will resonate with NHS decision-makers.

Collaborating on evidence-driven projects

Engaging in projects that use data to identify population needs and deliver proactive care is beneficial. An evidence-driven approach can help partners address NHS complexities and improve planning and care delivery.

Being flexible and adaptable

Given the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, flexibility is essential. Industry partners should remain open to feedback and adapt to changing circumstances, including co-designing solutions with the ICS and other stakeholders.

Focusing on integrated care

Supporting initiatives that promote integrated care across all settings, fostering collaboration with various sectors and providers beyond the NHS.

The ‘triple win’

A ‘triple win’ approach emerged as a powerful framework for partnership. Focusing on solutions that deliver value across these three areas ensures initiatives are sustainable and impactful. This holistic approach not only improves patient care but also aligns with NHS goals and drives innovation within the life sciences sector.

In conclusion, the transforming healthcare symposium provided invaluable insights into the future of healthcare, emphasising the need for collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based strategies to enhance patient care and outcomes. With strong partnerships and Mtech Access’s support in understanding the structure and priorities of the NHS, both the NHS and life sciences sector can work together to overcome challenges and build a more effective, efficient healthcare system.

To fully capitalise on the insights and strategies from the transforming healthcare symposium, explore how Mtech Access can support your organisation’s journey through the NHS landscape. With services designed to make sense of policy shifts, navigate complex funding systems, and deepen your understanding of evolving healthcare structures, we can help you align your strategy with NHS priorities.

From interpreting key policy changes to understanding the financial systems that drive the NHS, our tailored solutions provide essential insights for effective engagement. Whether you’re looking to grasp the structures and decision-makers within ICBs and Primary Care Networks (PCNs), learn about prescribing pathways and budgets, or drive impactful service redesign, Mtech Access offer expert guidance every step of the way.

Connect with us to unlock opportunities for meaningful partnership with the NHS, support sustainable transformation, and advance patient care together. Email info@mtechaccess.co.uk to discuss our training and strategic consulting services.

The post Insights and reflections from our transforming healthcare symposium appeared first on Mtech Access.

The power of real-world data

Real-world data offer a wealth of information that can significantly inform decision-making within healthcare systems. The right data, presented in the right way, can allow healthcare professionals to analyse performance trends, spot outliers, and identify areas for improvement. Whilst relevant datasets are sometimes publicly available or easily sourced through collaborative partnerships, these raw data are often in a format that is difficult to present or analyse. By transforming raw data into visual, easy-to-use dashboards, we can help field teams present compelling cases for change, ultimately strengthening partnerships with NHS customers.

The role of data visualisation

One of the key takeaways from the webinar was the critical role of data visualisation in making real-world data more accessible and impactful. Iain highlighted the advantages of using visual tools, such as Connected Insights dashboards, over traditional methods, such as Excel® spreadsheets or static data tables. Visuals not only capture attention more effectively but also aid in quicker decision-making by presenting complex data in a more digestible format.

For instance, heat maps/choropleth maps can illustrate variations in health outcomes across different regions, making it easier to identify areas that need attention.

Flexible tools for varied use cases

We can design Connected Insights dashboards to suit a wide range of use cases. Whether for promotional use by field teams, pre-call planning in business intelligence, or non-promotional roles by Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) for example, these dashboards can be tailored to meet your specific needs and therapy area.

Iain emphasised that these tools are not just about presenting data but telling a story. We develop the narrative in collaboration with clients, ensuring the content aligns with their objectives and resonates with their audience. This narrative-driven approach helps to make the data more relevant and the interactions more meaningful.

Overcoming challenges with data integration

One of the challenges of working with real-world data is their disparate nature. Data can come from various sources, appear in different formats, or be available at varying levels of granularity. We have developed strategies to overcome these challenges, such as aggregating data from multiple sources into a cohesive view and testing the dashboard’s effectiveness with NHS Associates before full deployment.

Iain also addressed the importance of understanding the regulatory landscape and navigating compliance challenges. By engaging with NHS Associates and incorporating their feedback, we can ensure that the tools that we develop not only meet technical requirements but also resonate well with NHS stakeholders.

Explore how you can use real-world data and data visualisation

Iain and I concluded the webinar with an open invitation to healthcare organisations, to collaborate with us to explore how real-world data can enhance their market access strategies. Iain emphasised the positive feedback that we’d received from clients who had already implemented these tools, and encouraged attendees to start a conversation about how we can help them leverage real-world data in their interactions with NHS customers.

In an era where face time with healthcare professionals is limited, making the most of every interaction is essential. With the right tools and data-driven insights, organisations can engage more effectively, drive change, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

For those interested in exploring these possibilities further, we offer a wealth of expertise and are ready to collaborate on developing solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you have a clear idea or just the seed of one, now is the time to start the conversation. Email info@mtechaccess.co.uk to explore this further with Iain and myself.

The post Empowering NHS engagement through tailored real-world data dashboards appeared first on Mtech Access.

About our speaker

Jo Turl (Independent Healthcare Consultant and Former Director of Commissioning, Devon ICS)

Jo is a strategically aware and commercially focused healthcare director, with over 20 years’ experience in the NHS and an extensive knowledge base. Jo is highly skilled in commissioning primary care, community, acute, and mental health and learning disability services. As Director of Commissioning at Devon ICS, and the CCG prior to this, she has a successful track record of managing complex programmes and delivering multi-million pound projects, including public engagement and consultation, managing change, procurement, and service redesign and delivery.

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About our speaker

Dr Faris Al-Ramadani

Faris is a highly motivated, enthusiastic, innovative Healthcare Leader currently working as an experienced GP, GP Partner and Primary Care Network (PCN) Clinical Director. He also has experience with Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and Integrated Care Systems.

Faris brings direct experience of implementing and evaluating digital innovations in NHS primary care, delivering improved outcomes for patients, clinicians and healthcare systems. These successes have led to technologies becoming adopted by wider local healthcare systems. Faris is keen to help industry companies translate their benefit into real world gains for patients and the healthcare system alike.

The post De-mystifying the NHS – What you need to know about the NHS as a market for your health technology appeared first on Mtech Access.

About our speakers

Jack Wagstaff (Place leader and integrated care perspective)

Jack is the Place Leader for Surrey Heartlands Partnership and Chief Officer of the North West Surrey Alliance; a partnership of NHS, local government, and voluntary sector organisations. The Alliance is one of the largest in the UK, overseeing a health economy of £0.5bn and employing over 10,000 people across partners. Jack is also an Executive Officer for Surrey Heartlands ICS. Over the course of his career, Jack has managed medicine and emergency care services in hospitals, worked with the Department of Health on national strategy and has been a commissioning Managing Director.

Zafran Azam (Pharmacy and medicines optimisation perspective)

Zafran is Head of Medicines Optimisation and Delivery at Derby City Place, leading a team of pharmacists and technicians working with 31 GP practices. He has extensive experience in pharmacy, mainly in primary care but also in secondary care. He was also extensively involved in the set up and roll out of the COVID vaccination programme in his area. Zafran is the Right Care Respiratory Lead for Medicines Management. He is also the Programme Lead for the Science Technology Advisory Committee.

Dr Neil Forster – (GP and PCN lead perspective)

Neil has over 20 years’ experience as a GP and is currently Clinical Director at Northumberland Medical Alliance (NMA). NMA is a federation of practices in North Northumberland serving 80,000 patients. He has a specialist interest in occupational medicine.

The post NHS primary care panel – the GP Contract and Operational Planning Guidance appeared first on Mtech Access.