Cutting through the clutter: NHS launches ‘innovator passport’ to accelerate access to proven medtech

A long-standing frustration for innovators has been navigating the labyrinth of NHS procurement jumping through hoops, repeating assessments, and watching potentially game-changing technologies stall in red tape. That’s about to change. 

Over the next two years, the UK government will roll out a new ‘innovator passport’—a streamlined digital process designed to allow cutting-edge medical technologies that have been successfully assessed in one NHS trust to be fast-tracked for adoption across others. It’s a move that aims to benefit patients, the NHS, and the broader life sciences sector in equal measure.

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One approval, national reach 

Under the current system, even the most effective technologies often require separate compliance reviews at each individual NHS trust, causing delays and draining resources. With the new passport, a single “thorough check” will be enough to open the doors systemwide. Once a product has been evaluated and proven in one trust, others will no longer be able to request duplicative assessments. 

This not only speeds up the process for innovators but ensures that NHS patients can benefit from proven interventions more quickly, whether it’s antimicrobial cardiac device coverings that have saved over £103,000 annually at Barts Health NHS Trust, or wound dressings that cut surgical site infections by 38% at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals. 

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MedTech Compass: the digital engine behind the passport 

The ‘innovator passport’ will be powered by MedTech Compass, a new digital platform developed by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). It will serve as a central hub where NHS buyers can easily find, compare, and evaluate technologies, backed by real-world evidence and performance metrics. 

Think of it as a best buyer’s guide for the NHS. Side-by-side product comparisons. Clear visibility of effectiveness. A shared library of validated use cases. For trusts, it’s a smart way to save time. For innovators, it’s a long-overdue simplification.

Less bureaucracy, more impact 

This shift isn’t just about speeding up procurement; it’s about rethinking how the NHS works with the life sciences industry. For too long, businesses with game-changing ideas have found the system too slow and complex. As a result, many turned their backs on the UK market entirely. 

The passport is part of a broader effort under the government’s Plan for Change and 10-Year Health Plan to modernise healthcare delivery and boost economic growth through health innovation. It also feeds into the UK’s upcoming Life Sciences Sector Plan, which aims to solidify the country’s role as a global leader in life sciences. 

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Better care, faster 

Already, the benefits of faster technology adoption are clear. At University Hospitals Dorset, rapid influenza testing has reduced both hospital bed days and unnecessary antibiotic use. These are small changes with significant impact, freeing up staff, improving patient outcomes, and saving taxpayer money. 

By eliminating redundancy and creating a centralised, transparent pathway for new technologies, the innovator passport helps get these benefits to more patients, faster. 

MedTech Malta 2025: keep the conversation going 

Want to stay ahead of the curve on medical innovation and policy reform? Join us at MedTech Malta 2025 from 12 to 14 November, where we’ll be exploring how digital tools, regulatory agility, and global collaboration are influencing health systems. Book your ticket now.

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