Improving access to health technology; Educational sessions for surgery patients; Patient insights into emergency diagnosis
'Faster, fairer access' to health technology
NICE has launched a national campaign to raise awareness of a programme to give people faster, fairer access to innovative health technology. The new National Healthtech Access Programme (previously called the Rules Based Pathway) is a collaboration between NICE, the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England, MHRA and the Office for Life Sciences. The approach will expand NICE’s Technology Appraisals programme to incorporate health technologies, meaning digital tools, diagnostics and medical devices, will be made available to patients across the entire health service.
As part of the campaign, NICE is highlighting its trusted healthtech guidance for those commissioning health technologies. The guidance helps NHS colleagues to:
- Identify which healthtech is worth investing in.
- Improve patient flow and reduce waiting times.
- Carefully manage risk and patient safety concerns.
- Deliver real health benefits for your communities.
Read more on the guidance on the NICE website here.
- The government has announced £20million in grants to develop cutting‑edge medicines, medical technologies and digital tools to tackle drug and alcohol addiction. Find out more on the GOV.UK website here.
Educational sessions for heart surgery patients
PIF member Barts Health NHS Trust has taken a different approach to giving heart surgery patients crucial health information. The trust's heart centre is running a monthly Cardiac Surgery School. The voluntary sessions give people waiting for heart surgery the chance to meet surgeons, anaesthetists and intensive care nurses. Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians and ward staff are also involved.
The aim is to replace the patchy or confusing information many patients receive with a clear, step-by-step explanation of what to expect. Feedback from participants so far has been overwhelmingly positive with patients who attend the sessions reporting much lower pre-operative anxiety. There are also encouraging early signals of fewer post-operative complications, including delirium and wound problems.
Find out more on the Barts Health NHS Trust website here.
Patient insights into emergency diagnosis
Bowel Cancer UK says too many patients are still facing serious and avoidable emergency diagnosis of bowel cancer and change cannot wait. The PIF member has published a new report highlighting the often traumatic experiences of those diagnosed with bowel cancer in an emergency setting, such as in A&E. The report says 1 in 4 people are diagnosed after an ‘emergency presentation’ of bowel cancer. The report highlights the human side of emergency diagnosis and share first-hand experiences of patients and their loved ones. Bowel Cancer UK is calling for change and wants to help create a future where bowel cancer is found early – not in an emergency.
Read the full report on the Bowel Cancer UK website here.
How people with osteoporosis are supported
PIF member the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) has launched a 2026 survey as it looks to review how it supports people affected by osteoporosis. The charity's latest research aims to help it better understand how osteoporosis affects people’s lives; how, and when, people first engage with the ROS; and how it can improve the support, information and opportunities offered. The ROS has partnered with independent research agency, Insight-ful, to carry out the short confidential survey.
Find out more and complete the survey here.
NHS campaign to support millions with anxiety
A new NHS campaign has been launched to support millions of adults who are missing out on treatment for debilitating anxiety. More than 670,000 people were treated with NHS talking therapy care last year – nearly 70,000 more than pre-pandemic – with a record number accessing employment support through the service in 2025.
However, a new NHS survey of over 2,000 adults found nearly 3 in 5 delay seeking treatment and support as they feel the conditions are “not serious enough” – with 1 in 5 not seeking help at all.
Find out more about the campaign on the NHS England website here.
To self-refer for NHS Talking Therapies visit the NHS website here.
24/7 mental health support to be expanded in Scotland
People in Scotland will have access to more mental health support. £1.5 billion of funding will enable the NHS 24 Mental Health Hub to expand. A new Crisis Framework for Children and Young People will also improve emergency mental health responses across six NHS Board areas.
Find out more about the plans on GOV.SCOT website here.
Study: Diabetes language is conveying stigma
Researchers from the Republic of Ireland have investigated stigma and the language used around diabetes. People living with diabetes were invited to participate in the research and share their experiences. The study found the majority of people living with diabetes experience stigma, which is often conveyed through language. Language described was predominantly negative and often conveyed stigma, criticism and judgement rather than care and support. Communication as a whole, including tone and attitude, was important. The Irish Language Matters guide was largely endorsed but disagreement existed around some terms. The researchers said the study underscores the need for Ireland-specific guidance and training on respectful language and effective communication, particularly in healthcare settings.