UK

In January 2024, eight NHS Genomic Networks of Excellence were launched within the NHS Genomic Medicine Service (GMS). NHS England is funding these innovative networks to develop the evidence and model of adoption for cutting-edge genomic advances and technology applications and inform commissioning decisions.

In January 2024, NHS England issued an updated version of the National Genomic Test Directory for 2024/2025, which lists genomic tests commissioned by NHS England via Genomic Laboratory Hubs. Six new codes (test-indication combinations) were introduced in the Test Directory for cancer, and four new codes in the Test Directory for rare and inherited diseases.

NHS England defined a deadline for applications to the High Cost Device List (HCDL) changes to be implemented in the 2025/26 NHS Payment Scheme. The completed application form should be submitted via email by May 31, 2024.

In December 2023, NHS England launched a consultation regarding proposed changes in the 2023/25 NHS Payment Scheme for the 2024/25 financial year. The key changes concerned the High Cost Device List, top-up payments for specialized services, and payment for radiotherapy. The deadline for submitting comments is January 26, 2024.

In December 2023, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in England released two MedTech-related assessments in its Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Journal, which concerned ablative and non-surgical therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma and hidradenitis suppurativa treatment. HTA Journal publishes research reports on the effectiveness, costs, and broader impact of health technologies for those who use, manage, and provide care in the NHS and informs National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance.

In December 2023, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published one new Interventional Procedure Guidance (middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematomas), one Technology Appraisal Guidance (Hybrid closed loop systems for managing blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetes, and one new clinical guideline.

In December 2023, the Clinical Coding and Schedule Development (CCSD) working group, which develops and maintains procedural and diagnostics nomenclatures for private payers in England, published Bulletins with changes to be implemented no later than February 12, 2024. Five new procedure codes (concerning endoscopy, gastrointestinal, and spine) and one new in-vitro diagnostic code were introduced.

On December 7, 2023, NHS England confirmed the next steps in delegating commissioning responsibilities for specialised services to local commissioners - integrated care boards (ICBs). In the first step, selected specialised services have been delegated to Joint Committees of ICBs and NHS England Regions since April 2023. The next steps include the full delegation of suitable services to certain ICBs from April 2024. Regardless of delegation status, NHS England will remain the accountable commissioner for specialised services and responsible for developing national service specifications and clinical commissioning policies.

In November 2023, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in England released one MedTech-related assessment in its Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Journal, which concerned posterior hypofractionated whole breast radiotherapy for early breast cancer treatment. HTA Journal publishes research reports on the effectiveness, costs, and broader impact of health technologies for those who use, manage, and provide care in the NHS and informs National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance.

In November 2023, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published four new Interventional Procedure Guidance (percutaneous thrombectomy for pulmonary embolism, percutaneous transarterial carotid artery stent placement for asymptomatic extracranial carotid stenosis, biodegradable subacromial spacer insertion for rotator cuff tears, extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal for acute respiratory failure) and one Health Technology Evaluation using early value assessment (virtual reality technologies for treating agoraphobia or agoraphobic avoidance). Also, five clinical guidelines were updated.

In late October 2023, the UK Government announced £100 million funding for the “AI Life Sciences Accelerator Mission”. The Mission will advance and expand the use of AI in life sciences and tackle the country’s major health challenges outlined by Life Sciences Vision.

On November 6, 2023, NICE announced the launch of its refreshed “NICE Advice” service. It offers three types of support for pharmaceutical and health tech companies seeking to enter the NHS market: advice, insight, and education.