The Irish Medical Devices Association (IMDA) in partnership with RCSI hosted the main national European MedTech Week event for Ireland in the College on Tuesday, 14 June.

Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD was the keynote speaker at the event which explored 'Industry-clinical collaboration for better patient outcomes'. MedTech Week, which took place from 13-17 June, brings companies and associations across Europe together to raise awareness about medtech.

The event at RCSI aimed to raise further awareness of the research capability amongst the clinical community in Ireland, which has increased with the establishment of clinical research facilities and investment in state of the art technology for rapid prototyping, and the evolving supportive ecosystem. The event also charted the past, the present and the future of surgical innovation and how medicine is changing with advancements in surgical techniques. Panel discussions will explore how more industry-clinical collaboration for better patient outcomes and economic growth can be achieved.

RCSI speakers at the event included Professor Richard Costello, Associate Professor of Medicine, RCSI and Consultant Respiratory/General Physician at Beaumont Hospital; Professor Oscar Traynor, Consultant Surgeon and Director of the National Surgical Training Centre, RCSI and Dr Seamus Browne, Industry Liaison Manager, RCSI. Also speaking at the event was RCSI archivist Meadhbh Murphy discussed some notable Irish medtech firsts at the event along with RCSI's role in 1916.

Professor Ray Stallings, who delivered the closing address at the event said: "RCSI is delighted to host the IMDA 'Industry-clinical collaboration for better patient outcomes' event here in the College this evening. RCSI embraces its responsibility to find new pathways in healthcare education training and research. The investments we are now making in clinical education and surgical training facilities in the new healthcare education building on York Street, and in expanding its research programmes through StAR (Strategic Academic Recruitment), will ensure the College continues to address the evolving challenges of healthcare practice and provision."

Minister for Health Simon Harris noted the importance of the medtech industry to the economy as a whole saying "the medical technology sector in Ireland is of prime importance, both within healthcare settings and in the wider economy. It is a key player in achieving Ireland's healthcare goals". The Minister noted that this is the 2nd year that European medtech Week will be celebrated across the EU and he wished the initiative every success.

IMDA Director Sinead Keogh said: "Health is a personal issue, but the Irish medtech industry has a strong record for driving new innovations that put patient care first. The sector's ambition has led exports to quadruple in the past decade to €12.6 billion and 2,000 jobs were added last year. European MedTech Week is a great opportunity to help demystify the medtech sector and encourage people to feel empowered by this technology that saves and improves lives."