Last Updated on 20/10/2023 by Samantha Lewis
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed that experienced procurement executive, David Lawson, will take over from Chris Stirling as the new permanent director of the Medical Technologies (MedTech) Directorate.
The MedTech Directorate was established by DHSC in 2021 after significant supply chain disruption, caused by COVID-19 in 2020, highlighted a need for sustainable and effective procurement processes and strategies for medical devices.
Tasked with building a thriving UK medtech sector, the body’s remit covers reviewing how medical devices are regulated, commissioned and used on an ongoing basis.
In particular, the directorate has six critical priorities: ensuring resilient supply chains; delivering value for money; maintaining regulation of safe, high-quality products; meeting sustainability goals; adopting innovation for better clinical outcomes; and promoting UK interests in overseas markets.
Initially leading the MedTech Directorate was Chris Stirling as interim MedTech Directorate Director, who is now succeeded by David Lawson, a seasoned senior procurement executive.
He takes over the role having accrued over 20 years of experience working for Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (Guy’s and St Thomas’) as its Chief Procurement Officer. David has a wealth of experience in supply chain innovation and has also won the Supply Chain Excellence Award twice.
Before working for Guy’s and St Thomas’, he was the procurement advisor to the Department of Social Security and the Department of Environment.
One of David’s first engagements with the industry will be at the BHTA Integration and Sustainability Conference this 22 September 2022 at the Tower Hotel in London.
The event will provide a unique opportunity for BHTA members to find out more about the new MedTech Directorate director’s plans and discover how the directorate’s strategy will be informed by the integration and sustainability agendas.
You can find out more information about the conference, including who all the guest speakers are, and purchase tickets on our events page.