Benefi ts of patient access How access to new medical technology is benefiting patients suffering from arrhythmia Trudie Lobban, a trustee of the Arrhythmia Alliance outlines some of the evidence she submitted to the Health Select Committee inquiry into the use of new medical technologies, and highlights the benefits particular technologies bring to the lives of patients. reflex anoxic seizures—any type of blackout or non-epileptic seizure. Syncope and RAS is a type of arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm). The Arrhythmia Alliance (A-A The Heart Rhythm charity) was formed in May 2004. The A-A is a coalition of charities, professional and medical groups and industry partners, including the ABHI, who aim to work together to promote timely and effective diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias leading to improved quality of life for all those affected. Left to right: Geoff Morris - Chairman ABHI; Jane Kennedy MP - health Minister; Jo Revell - The Observer; Trudie Lobban; Dr Steve Holmberg
The following is a summary of the written evidence that I submitted to the Health Select Committee inquiry.
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had been asked to appear as a witness to the House of Commons Health Select Committee’s enquiry The Evidence into the use of medical technologies in the NHS, alongside John Wilkinson, but “The total cost of a was prevented from doing so due to pacemaker over its ten-year bad weather and life span can be significantly transport difficulties.
There is evidence that where the Department of Health has applied focus and funding, for example, through less than the cost of drugs National Service Frameworks (NSF) technology uptake I was due to for a patients life” has been higher, allowing appear on behalf of government targets to the Medical Technology be reached. For this reason, the additional Group (MTG), with whom I have been chapter on cardiac arrhythmias in the NSF involved for over a year. MTG is a on heart disease, published in March and campaigning coalition of patients groups, on which the Arrhythmia Alliance and STARS medical professionals and industry. My advised the Department of Health, has the involvement with MTG stems from my role potential to reap great benefits for patient as Chief Executive of Syncope Trust and Reflex access to technology. Anoxic Seizures (STARS) and also a trustee of the Arrhythmia Alliance. However, when the focus has been less concentrated, technologies that could save STARS works together with individuals, lives and reduce secondary care burden on families and medical professionals to offer the NHS, have seen significantly less uptake. support and information on syncopes and 4
