U.K. Creates New Medical Device Regulatory Review Board

The United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has formed a new medical device organization—the Devices Expert Advisory Committee (DEAC)—and has appointed the new group’s chairman.

DEAC was formed following an independent review on MHRA access to clinical advice and engagement with the clinical community. This new committee will replace the Committee on the Safety of Devices. According to a press release from MHRA, the new committee will be responsible for providing independent, expert strategic advice to the agency in support of its role to ensure that medical devices are acceptably safe and are used safely and effectively. It also will support the agency in developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with clinical professional bodies.

Dr. Peter Nightingale, MBBS, DEAC’s chairman, is a consultant in anesthesia and intensive care medicine and was president of the Royal College of Anaesthetists until September 2012. He formerly was president of the Intensive Care Society and vice chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges.

“I am delighted that Dr. Nightingale has accepted this appointment at a time when the agency is busy implementing the recommendations of the review chaired by Prof. Terence Stephenson into access to clinical advice,” said MHRA Devices Director John Wilkinson. “His expertise and experience will be invaluable in helping the agency as it responds to the demands of the future.”

“I am delighted to be taking on this role,” said Nightingale. “The new committee will play a vital role in providing expert advice for MHRA on a huge range of medical issues and will help to ensure safe use and management of medical devices.”

MHRA is responsible for regulating pharmaceuticals and medical devices in the United Kingdom. MHRA is a center of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, which also includes the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control and the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health.