From the 1^st to the 4^th September, a delegation of Medical Technology firms from The Netherlands visited the UK to learn about the healthcare sector and share their innovative products and systems.

The main goal of the trade mission was to enable participating companies to gain insight in the workings of the NHS, to find new British partners and distributors; and establish new partnerships by discussing directly with NHS officials and UK companies what the Netherlands can offer in terms of technology and high-quality equipment in health care.

During the 4 day visit, the delegates participated in a full day at Citylabs in Manchester to learn about the greater healthcare ecosystem in Greater Manchester, and a two day attendance at the NHS Expo with a Holland Pavilion.

The mission kicked off with full day at Citylabs in Manchester to hear from different organisations within the Greater Manchester ecosystem. Presentations from MIDAS, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), Academic Health Science Network (AHSN), North West E-Heath (NWEH), NICE, TRUSTECH and NHS Procurement gave a comprehensive overview on how the National Health Service adopts innovation and what support is available for Med-Tech companies wanting to introduce their products or services to the NHS.

Roxana de Raad, Chief Representative at the NBSO Manchester comments: “We are very thankful for all organisations who were willing to present to our delegation. The UK is an important partner for The Netherlands in the healthcare and technology sectors. This trade mission is a great opportunity for both countries to build long lasting relationships and share new innovations. The Netherlands has pioneered a number of new medical technologies and products, not only to benefit patients but innovations that are having a real effect on the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. This event has enabled us to be in direct contact with Decision Makers and Subject Matter Experts within the NHS and the supporting network. There was great enthusiasm from the UK parties for the innovations that have been presented by the Dutch, and we feel it has been a very success event for all parties involved. This trade mission is hopefully only the start of a successful Anglo / Dutch collaboration on revolutionising healthcare.”

When asked why the international trade mission chose Manchester as its locations, the answer from Dutch delegates was clear; “Greater Manchester is the vital cornerstone of the northern powerhouse and one of the fastest growing economic regions in the world. The message is that Manchester is booming and the north is a vital region is loud and clear – the progress that is being made around the Corridor in technology and health innovation is amazing. Within 1 hour’s travel there are 14 million potential patients that would benefit from new healthcare innovations.  We would be honoured to be a part of it”.

The seminar was followed by a two day attendance at the NHS Health & Care Innovation Expo 2015, where the 16 companies shared a Holland Pavilion to represent innovation the Netherlands.

A “Dutch Demo Hour” on the first day of the Expo presented an opportunity for visitors to view some of the innovations in a real life environment. Also speaking during the Dutch Demo was Mr. Simon Smit, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He reiterated the importance of sharing innovation between countries to improve patient outcomes and shape the future of healthcare together.

Each individual Dutch company has responded very positively to the Expo attendance. The high level of decision makers attending the event resulted in valuable direct feedback and discussion. A number of the Dutch participants have been offered trails in UK hospitals, have found new networking partners and established a platform to further their progress in offering new treatments and technologies to UK patients.

One Dutch Delegates commented: “We have had some very fruitful conversations with people active in the UK health sector. The British visitors are very open to seeing new products and are even happy to think with you for even better solutions. One visitor even suggested a whole new use for our product that we hadn’t yet thought of, showing how the UK is forward thinking and committed to offering the best patient care. The Expo for us has been a great success". 

The delegation is made up of a number of high tech innovative products and solutions providers within the Med-Tech industry, including disciplines such as infection control, surgical equipment, diagnostics, precision engineering, imaging applications, wound care, e-health solutions and management of hospital data and records.

Each participant has been selected according to a number of criteria; including the improvement of patient outcomes, reduced cost, shorten treatment timescales and tackling clinical challenges. A full overview of all participating companies can be found in the attachments.

UK companies and NHS representatives that are interested in speaking with companies who took part in the trade mission, can contact the Netherlands Business Support office to register their interest.

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