The NHS has announced the roll-out of gammaCore – a ‘headache-busting’ gadget that can relieve pain for patients with ‘cluster headaches’ – across the country.
According to NHS England, when held against the neck the ‘small, portable devices’ deliver a low-level electric current to block pain signals. Patients can use the device regularly or whenever they feel like a ‘cluster’ is about to occur.
It’s thought that around 11,000 people with ‘debilitating headaches’ will now benefit from the gammaCore tech. Currently, one to two people in every 1,000 are said to be affected by this rare type of headache, and it is thought to be more common in men who are in their 30s or 40s.
NHS Medical Director Stephen Powis, said: “While they may be small, these devices will make a huge difference to people who suffer from these debilitating headaches – relieving painful symptoms and allow people to go about their daily lives as normal.”
Matthew Whitty, Director of Innovation and Life Sciences for NHS England, added: “The gammaCore device will provide life-changing benefits for thousands of people and it is just one of a number of technologies that are being mandated by the NHS.”
Following successful trials across the last two years, the decision to expand the offering of gammaCore devices has been taken in line with the ‘NHS Long Term Plan’, which aims to improve patient care via the latest technologies, therapies and treatments.
This includes the new Medtech Funding Mandate, which came into effect on 1 April 2021 and enables the public to benefit from ‘fast-tracked’ innovations through the NHS.
HTN previously reported on the mandate in February. As a joint venture by Accelerated Access Collaborative and NHS England and Improvement, it was initially set to be launched in 2020, before being postponed until this spring.
As well as the gammaCore device, other technologies initially mentioned as part of the scheme include a blood test to rule out pre-eclampsia in pregnant women, 3D models of patient coronary arteries, and tech to help secure percutaneous catheters.
Further information on the Medtech Funding Mandate, and supported technologies, is set to be announced in July 2021. You can also read the policy guidance for 2021/2022 online.
