Report from Europe.

Report from Europe

Task force to support UKs healthcare firms

A BBI Staff Report

The UK government last month announced the establishment of a new task force bringing together representatives of the government and the healthcare industry to work together to support the industry and maximize the benefits for patients.

The first initiative of its kind between the government and the healthcare sector, the Healthcare Industries Task Force (HITF) will operate for one year under the joint chairmanship of Health Minister Lord Warner and Sir Christopher ODonnell, chief executive officer of Smith & Nephew (London). Other participants will include Science Minister Lord Sainsbury from the Department of Trade and Industry; Mike OBrien, minister of state for trade, investment and foreign affairs, and senior executives from manufacturers of medical products.

The HITF has been charged with delivering recommendations which should benefit patients, encourage the best use of National Health Service (NHS) resources and stimulate science and industry in the UK to improve growth in manufacturing, investment, employment and exports.

In announcing the establishment of the task force, Warner said, The healthcare industry is important to this country, both in terms of developing products to support better healthcare in the NHS, and as an important economic sector. He said the task force will help us to gain a better understanding of how government and industry can work together for mutual benefit. Noting that great advances are being made in medical technology, Warner said, I want to ensure we harness this expertise and maximize the benefits for the NHS, patients, industry and the national economy.

ODonnell termed the UK healthcare industry one of Britains most successful industrial sectors as well as making a major contribution to the health of the British people. However, he said, there are further opportunities by partnership with the medical professions and …