Cardiff, Wales, UK

History & Structure

Health Technology Wales (HTW) was established by the Welsh Government in November 2017 as a national body to improve the quality of care in Wales through the appraisal of non-medicine health and care technologies. We collaborate with partners across the health, social care and technology sectors to ensure an all-Wales approach. HTW’s remit covers assessment of any care technology that isn’t a medicine such as medical devices, diagnostic tests, implants, surgical procedures, assistive technologies, social interventions, digital innovations and changes in care pathways.

Vision

A healthier Wales through the responsible adoption of innovative health and social care technologies. We envision a future where every person in Wales benefits from timely, evidence-based innovations that improve outcomes, reduce inequalities and support sustainable services.

Mission

To identify, evaluate, and promote the adoption of health and social care technologies that offer the greatest value for the people of Wales. We work collaboratively across sectors to provide independent, high-quality evidence that informs policy and practice, ensuring that innovation leads to real world impact.

How the Agency Works

Our work currently focuses on three key areas:

  • Identification. This includes horizon scanning. HTW collaborates with partners across the health, social care and technology sectors to ensure a consistent, national approach to the identification of technologies expected to have a major impact on future health and care in Wales. HTW also signposts technology innovators to the relevant organisations within Wales and the UK who can provide advice and support.
  • Appraisal (HTA). HTW independently assesses non-medicine healthcare technologies and issue independent, national guidance based on the best available evidence and expertise. HTW’s work aims to inform commissioning by care providers and supports decision makers to make evidence-informed decisions on both technology investments and disinvestments.
  • Adoption. HTW assesses value and optimises the use of clinically- and cost-effective care technologies in Wales. HTW monitors the uptake of HTW and NICE guidance across the Welsh care system. This includes both adoption of new technologies and disinvestment of older, less effective technologies.

Dissemination Activities

HTW reports and guidance are published on the HTW website, and disseminated to key stakeholders within NHS Wales and the broader Welsh care sector. HTW also disseminates news and publications through the HTW website and social media.

Recently Completed or Milestone HTA Reports

  • Capsule sponge devices to detect Barrett’s oesophagus and early oesophageal cancer.
  • Rapid antigen detecting tests for group A streptococcal infections to treat people with a sore throat in the community pharmacy setting.
  • Thermal ablation of colorectal liver metastases.
  • Digital interventions for chronic kidney disease.

Current Projects (Selected)

Further information on completed and ongoing appraisals can be found on the HTW website (www.healthtechnology.wales)

Future Plans

In 2026 Health Technology Wales published its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan which set out its immediate and medium-term strategic goals and objectives.

Included in the plan are HTW’s top five priority objectives for the next four years:

  • Produce and disseminate high quality, inclusive health and social care evidence appraisal and national guidance for NHS Wales.
  • Ensure alignment with Ministerial, policy and health and social care system priorities.
  • Support time-critical health and social care policy decision making via Welsh and UK initiatives, programmes and groups.
  • Undertake an annual adoption audit of HTW and select NICE guidance.
  • Collaborate with Welsh health and social care ecosystem partners and UK health technology assessment partners.

Agency Information

Country: Wales, United Kingdom
Description of population served: National
Population served (mil): 3.125
Current HTA budget (mil USD): USD $2.2 million (£1.65 million)
Permanent staff: 26
Consultants: 0
Ongoing TA projects: Variable (see HTW website for ongoing projects)

Contact Information

Director: Susan Myles, PhD
Contact person: Susan Myles, PhD

Health Technology Wales (HTW)
Velindre University NHS Trust Headquarters
Unit 2 Charnwood Court
Park Nantgarw, CF15 7QZ
United Kingdom

Internet: http://www.healthtechnology.wales/
Email: healthtechnology@wales.nhs.uk