The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced the appointment of junior ministers responsible for digital health and MedTech.
Wes Streeting, Labour MP for Ilford North and the new health secretary, made the appointments following Labour’s victory in the general election. Karin Smyth, Labour MP for Bristol South, has been appointed as minister of state for health with a focus on NHS data, technology, and cyber security.
Streeting emphasized the importance of projects like the federated data platform (FDP) and the need for faster adoption.
Smyth, with a background in the NHS and experience in healthcare reform, expressed her commitment to addressing NHS challenges.
Stephen Kinnock, Labour MP for Aberafan Maesteg, was appointed as minister of state for care with responsibilities including technology, innovation, and health and social care integration.
Baroness Gillian Merron was appointed for life sciences and innovation, while Andrew Gwynne, Labour MP for Gorton and Denton, also assumed a parliamentary role.
Streeting’s vision includes making Britain a powerhouse for life sciences and medical technology, with plans to increase the number of scanners and introduce AI technology.
Government data indicates a trade deficit in medical technology and a need to improve the availability of scanners in the UK compared to other countries.
