41 It is not the government's intention that the appraisal process should delay the point at which innovations can be introduced into clinical practice (provided of course that all parties are able to meet the proposed timescales). Indeed there is every prospect that they will help speed up the use of beneficial new interventions throughout the NHS. We have already proposed that a maximum of 8-12 weeks should be allowed from receipt of the company submission to putting the papers to the appraisal group. We propose that
     
 
i
 the appraisal group should typically aim to issue its advice to the NHS and to patients within 8-12 weeks of receiving papers;
 
ii
 this should allow 2-4 weeks for the sponsoring company to receive the draft recommendations and to make any final comments which they wish. Patient groups, the Department of Health and the Welsh Office will also have an opportunity for any comment at this stage. The appraisal group will then review its recommendations before issuing them in their final form.
 
 

We would welcome views on

  • the role of the appraisal group and the criteria they should apply (para 32)
  • handling uncertainty (paras 33-36)
  • proposals for the format of NHS guidance (paras 37-39)
  • the best way of providing information for patients and carers (para 40)
  • proposals for the timescale and process (para 41).