The expanded HealthTech programme addresses longstanding inequalities in technology adoption across different NHS regions. Technologies meeting NICE's standards will receive strong recommendations for NHS-wide implementation, supported by clear guidance on value and effectiveness.

The initiative forms part of the government's broader Life Sciences Sector Plan, positioning the NHS as a major customer for one of Britain's fastest-growing industries. It supports the NHS 10-Year Health Plan's vision for using innovation to drive healthcare reform and delivers the expansion of NICE's technology appraisal process to cover devices, diagnostics and digital products.

Dr Sarah Byron, deputy director for HealthTech at NICE, said: ‘Health technologies are reshaping healthcare, opening up new ways to care for patients, diagnose conditions earlier, and help people stay healthier for longer. These changes mean that more devices, diagnostics and digital tools will be used to address pressing issues across the NHS, such as long waiting lists.'

NICE is consulting on updated evaluation methods through October 2025, working with industry and healthcare partners to refine the assessment framework. The programme will initially focus on high-impact technologies before expanding coverage in subsequent years.

The methods and process manual consultation is open until 22 October.