Professor Peter Barrett-Lee, Velindre

· A more clear, efficient and professional approach to commissioning medical technology in Wales will have the following benefits:

· “Early adoption” and improved and timely access to “state of the art” care for our patients and public

· Better recruitment and retention of high calibre staff and researchers in NHS Wales

· Greater breadth and quality of NHS research, which improves outcomes and generates wealth

· Better industry collaboration leading to greater access to technology and access to resources.

· The new approach must be part of a strategic planning process across NHS Wales leading to:

· A clearer commitment to the evaluation and procurement of new technology within timescales comparable to other developed nations.

· Avoidance of mixed models of commissioning, and therefore an understandable and more timely process and with less uncertainty about the future.

· An All Wales approach avoiding variations in access to technologies for patients in different Health Boards and Trusts.

· New technologies, once implemented, must be evaluated by clinical studies and audits to ensure that the benefits of earlier adoption are realized for the benefit of patients and public.