Chris Whitehouse, a political consultant and expert on medical technology policy and regulation at Whitehouse Communications, welcomes new leadership at the top of the UK’s MedTech regulator.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has announced Professor Jonathan Benger CBE as its new Chief Executive, succeeding Dr Samantha Roberts. For the medical devices and healthtech sector, this leadership transition arrives at a pivotal moment as NICE prepares for a significant expansion of its remit under the government’s 10‑Year Health Plan for the NHS.
Professor Benger is a familiar figure within NICE and across the wider NHS. Since joining the organisation in January 2023 as Chief Medical Officer, he has also served as interim Director of the Centre for Guidelines and Deputy Chief Executive. His background blends frontline clinical practice – he continues to work as a consultant in emergency medicine at Bristol Royal Infirmary – with senior national policy roles, including interim Chief Clinical Information Officer at NHS England and Chief Medical Officer at NHS Digital. He also maintains close ties to pre‑hospital care through the Great Western Air Ambulance, a charity he helped establish.
For developers of medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health technologies, his appointment comes at a time of major structural change. From April 2026, NICE will begin evaluating selected high‑impact health technologies that address the NHS’s most urgent needs. Crucially, these technologies will be eligible for NHS‑wide reimbursement – mirroring the established pathway for medicines. This represents one of the most significant shifts in UK market access for medical devices in decades.
The implications are far‑reaching. A more coordinated, centralised evaluation and reimbursement process promises:
• Faster, fairer access for patients to innovative diagnostics, digital tools, and devices
• Clearer, more predictable routes to adoption for developers
• Stronger alignment between regulatory approval and value assessment, thanks to closer collaboration between NICE and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
Professor Benger has emphasised the importance of this expanded role, noting that the right guidance at the right time can transform patient care. He has also reaffirmed NICE’s commitment to independence, transparency, and rigour—qualities that industry stakeholders rely on for predictable, evidence‑based decision‑making.
NICE Chair Sharmila Nebhrajani described Professor Benger as “widely respected” and praised his leadership during NICE’s recent transformation. Outgoing Chief Executive Dr Samantha Roberts also endorsed his appointment, highlighting his deep understanding of the challenges facing the NHS.
Whitehouse Communications having worked with NICE to plan and deliver its 25th Anniversary Reception in Parliament recently, at which she spoke, I send the outgoing Chief Executive, Dr Sam Roberts, every good wish for the future.
The Author used AI in preparing this article. Comments upon or questions about this article can be addressed to [email protected].
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