Keeping up with the science: Innovation in the health and care system post Brexit

Article

Innovation in health – new treatments, technologies and processes – can help drive improvements in healthcare and ultimately health outcomes. We are on the cusp of a new wave of innovation driven by robotics, big data and therapeutic breakthroughs such as cell and gene therapy.

However, the history of innovation in the UK shows that the health and care system is often slow to adopt new technologies. The government has tried to address the causes of this problem, most recently through the Accelerated Access Review (AAR) and Life Sciences (Industrial) Strategy.

Although these initiatives offer a number of sensible policy suggestions, the reality is that they will fail to deliver on their potential without a Brexit deal that prioritises health and care; a new long-term funding settlement for health and care; and a clear plan for system reform in the NHS.

Related items

  1. A huge overflowing recycling bin full of discarded empty bottles of alcoholic drinks

    Taking stock: Counting the economic costs of alcohol harm

    Alcohol consumption across the UK is increasing. Government and employers must act to address the health risks.
  2. The inside of a bus. Lots of people sit or stand on a bus during daylight

    A people-focussed future for transport in England

    Our findings from three roundtables on the impact of transport in people’s lives and the priorities for change.
  3. Many national flags against blue sky

    Progressive renewal: The Global Progress Action Summit

    A quarter of the way through this century, change is in the air. Everyone, everywhere, seemingly all at once, wants out of the status quo.