eHealth in the United Kingdom
67 M
inhabitants
11,3 %
healthcare expenditure in GDP in 2022
28 M
users of NHS App (June 2022, DHSC)
A decentralised health system that reflects the different national specificities
The UK benefits from a public health system, the National Health Service (NHS), which is based on a public funding model and universal and free access to care for all residents, while giving great autonomy to its four decentralised nations. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland thus have their own Ministries of Health, all financed by the same means: tax.
The priority objectives of the NHS in England are:
- Improving health outcomes and services;
- Reducing pressure on front-line services;
- Reducing inequalities related to life expectancy, access to care, availability of health professionals or ethnicity.
Digital is a key element of the NHS England Long Term Plan and is a central pillar of the transformation agenda, which operates through three objectives: work more effectively, improve diagnosis and treatment, and improve services.
In addition, the UK parliament passed a law in 2018 to harmonise data protection standards with the EU, implementing the GDPR in the UK. In particular, this legislation guarantees the protection of health data.
The UK government supports the MedTech sector
In 2023, the UK launched a new strategy for medical technology. This strategy aims to support the MedTech sector and ensure that the healthcare system can access safe, effective and innovative medical technologies for patients.
The "NHS app" allows citizens to access a variety of services, including ordering repeated prescriptions, choosing a pharmacy to pick them up, booking and managing appointments, or checking their medical records, among other services. The NHS app also helps improve care pathways by allowing patients to book operations in private care centers, further reducing NHS waiting lists.
How to access the UK digital health market
Register with the MHRA
Registration for the Health Products and Medicines Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is necessary, but it is not a certification.
Find all the relevant information to register your medical device.
Obtain the CE Mark or UKCA
Since the entry into force of Brexit in 2021, EU rules on medical devices no longer apply in Britain. However, the CE mark will be valid until 2028 or 2030, depending on the class granted under Regulation (EU) 2017/745 on medical devices and EU regulations.
The UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking is the new UK conformity marking used for medical devices intended for markets in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). However, this marking is not recognised in Northern Ireland, therefore, products destined for this market require a CE marking for sale.
Appoint a "UK Responsible Person"
If your medical device is not manufactured in the UK, it is necessary to appoint a "UK Responsible Person". This person will then assume the manufacturer's responsibilities for registering the device with the MHRA.
Specificity for Northern Ireland: For non-UK manufacturers, it may be necessary to appoint a UK Responsible person based in Northern Ireland.
Get in touch with expert companies
MedTech UK, a medical device distribution company, is a major collaborator when it comes to supplying digital devices to the UK market. This distribution company sells medical technology tools from international suppliers. It will be able to connect you with a network of entrepreneurs in the digital health sector.
Government Authorities
In charge of the evaluation and legislation of health products.
Hubs and innovation clusters
They bring together and facilitate the incubation of new technologies.
Training courses
Non-exhaustive list of universities and their groups offering training and support for digital health innovations.