NEWS
Darzi review: IBMS and BIVDA respond
Following the publication of Lord Darzi’s report into the NHS, the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and British In Vitro Diagnostics Association (BIVDA) have issued responses. In a detailed response published on its website, the IBMS comments: “We support the call for more investment in community diagnostics and point-of- care testing (POCT). Our Point of Care Testing: National Strategic Guidance for at Point of Need Testing and Community Diagnostics: Scaling Point-of-Care Testing for Patient-Centred Outcomes provide a framework for integrating POCT across the NHS. These steps will help create a more efficient system, improving accessibility for patients and delivering more timely, localised care, which is critical to managing long-term conditions and improving outcomes. IBMS President Joanna Andrew comments: “Our profession’s goal is to ensure that every patient receives the timely, accurate diagnosis they need for the best possible care. Lord Darzi’s report highlights the importance of investing in diagnostics and community-based services. By empowering our profession and expanding access to diagnostics, we can help deliver more personalised, patient- centred care that improves outcomes and reduces pressure on the NHS.” The IBMS article continues: “Lord
Darzi’s report calls for a tilt towards technology to unlock productivity and address inefficiencies. We echo the need for technological advancements, particularly the integration of AI into diagnostic pathways. Once integration is achieved, AI-assisted technologies can reach their full potential, leading to significant improvements in diagnostic speed, accuracy, and accessibility.” The British In Vitro Diagnostics Association (BIVDA) has also published a response to the Darzi report. BIVDA’s Chief Executive Helen Dent said: “The Darzi Review is a once in a lifetime opportunity to reform the NHS. Its conclusions are bleak, but not surprising to our sector – BIVDA’s 2024 strategy is centred on delivering these reforms. We work closely with Lord Darzi, particularly supporting his ambitions in AMR and praise this honest, hard-hitting review which was delivered at incredible pace. The extent of responses to his consultation demonstrates the willingness and ability of the healthcare sector to facilitate change.”
EDITOR’S COMMENT Vital signs offer hope…
“The NHS is in critical condition, but its vital signs are strong.” This was the headline conclusion from Lord Darzi’s recently delivered report on the state of the National Health Service, commissioned and delivered in the first weeks of the new Labour government. Perhaps the most surprising thing was just how unsurprising the report seemed to be. Lord Darzi’s conclusions have been broadly welcomed; not least by bodies including the IBMS and BIVDA – their responses can be read on this page.
While not including specific
recommendations, the report will form the basis for a forthcoming ten-year plan to solve the issues identified, and among the themes identified by Darzi, it’s no surprise to see that the use of technology and delivering care in a variety of non- hospital settings take centre stage. Both will of course be relevant to the readers of this magazine. With party conference season in full swing at the time of writing, the next stage and the specifics that come with it may well take time to materialise fully. In his speech to the Labour Party Conference, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer talked in what was euphemistically described as ‘broad brush strokes’; talking of “national renewal” and of having to make “unpopular decisions”.
In recent days the language used has come under increased scrutiny. Is the NHS really “broken”? Does this framing do more harm than good? In his conference speech, Health Secretary Wes Streeting said that not recognising the problems in the NHS would result in “killing it with kindness”.
While Darzi highlighted a shortfall in capital investment as well as low productivity, the turmoil and upheaval of management and regulatory change were singled out as drawing the focus of those working within the NHS away from the patients. The staff working within the NHS are its main asset; but after the last few years it’s not a surprise that morale is low and some are looking elsewhere. The good work being done by so many needs to be recognised and celebrated. Patients who rely on NHS services on a daily basis also need to be able to feel it will be able to deliver the treatment they need. Let’s hope this review and the changes to come are able to give our NHS the boost it needs. To give Lord Darzi himself the last
word, here’s how he concludes: “The NHS is now an open book. The issues are laid bare for all to see. And from this shared starting point, I look forward to our collective endeavour to turn it around for the people of this country, and to secure its future for generations to come.”
andymyall@pathologyinpractice.com
£400 million to boost UK clinical trials
NHS patients will have earlier access to new treatments and the UK will become the home of cutting-edge health research as the UK government launches a joint public-private investment programme worth up to £400 million. The Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicine Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) Investment Programme is now open. It will channel significant investment into the UK’s health and life sciences sector over the next five years, boosting economic growth and the global competitiveness of the UK’s life sciences sector.
It is the first major public-private collaboration of this scale in the world and will strengthen the NHS through supporting innovative research, creating 18 new clinical trial hubs to fast-track the development of new medicines to
WWW.PATHOLOGYINPRACTICE.COM OCTOBER 2024
patients. By streamlining processes, it will ensure that new treatments move swiftly from laboratories to wards, providing patients with faster access to cutting-edge treatments.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes
Streeting said: “This private investment is a significant vote of confidence in the UK and will fast-track the next generation of treatments to NHS patients. It will enhance the UK’s global competitiveness and transform the country into the epicentre of health research, supporting an NHS fit for the future.” VPAG is a voluntary agreement between the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), NHS England and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), designed to improve patient outcomes, manage the NHS medicines bill, and support the life sciences industry.
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