Health and Social Care Committee

Access to medical technologies in Wales

MT ToR 1 – Academy Royal of Colleges in Wales

It is not clear what has driven this inquiry but it may well be the recent breast implant problems.

If this is the case then the committee might focus its initial review on permanently implanted products.

The Colleges are very aware of the regulatory differences between drug and non drug products.

Most product companies could not afford to comply with the same standards of evaluation that are currently applied to pharmaceuticals.

Please find below some initial comments.

1. medical, nursing, practitioners allied to medicine and patients will all have relevant views

2. Industry and University departments involved in developments should be involved.

3. educational, consultational and interventional technologies. All are relevant sub groups.

4. CE marking, NICE guidance, evidence base, safety data.

5. Cost and efficacy/benefit.

6. There are subtle modifications of existing technologies that may be very important in terms of efficacy and safety which may be overlooked.

7. Prescription, OTC, clinician administered. Will the review include products sold in chemists or even the internet.

8. External, internal or implanted products.

9. Overview of perceived issues or full inquiry into all currently used or planned to be introduced.

Simon Emery

Vice Chairman Academy of Royal Colleges-Wales