In what was both an insightful and stimulating discussion, Whitehouse Communications and the Urology Trade Association hosted a webinar, discussing the role of medical device regulation post-Brexit.
Joining the panel was Graeme Tunbridge, Director of Devices at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA); Anne Marie Morris, MP for Newton Abbot and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Access to Medicines and Medical Devices; and Peter Bullen, CEO of Bullen Healthcare, and member of the UTA
Panellists discussed how the UK can take advantage of opportunities for a regulatory leadership role following the UK’s exit from the European Union. Discussions also took place on the barriers to access for medical devices, as well as the opportunities for a regulatory leadership role on the international stage.
Peter Bullen discussed the importance of ensuring close-regulatory alignment with the EU in terms of its regulatory policy, arguing that the MHRA should work closely with international partners to harmonise standards and avoid bureaucracy for the civil service and manufacturers.
Anne Marie Morris said that there are a number of lessons to be learnt from COVID, in that we should not be getting complacent as we look to be at the back end of the pandemic, and key decisionmakers must ensure sustainability and resilience is “baked into the system” at all levels.
Graeme Tunbridge set out some of the priorities for the MHRA as it adapts to its post-Brexit role as a standalone regulator, including maintaining patient safety, supporting UK business, and encouraging innovation.
A link to a full recording of the webinar is available below:
The Whitehouse team are experts in providing public affairs advice and political analysis to a wide range of clients, not only in the United Kingdom, but also across the member states of the European Union and beyond. For more information, please contact our Chair, Chris Whitehouse, at chris.whitehouse@whitehousecomms.com.
