NICE 2000/ 048 Issued: 15 December 2000

Andrew Dillon, Chief Executive of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), today announced the appointment of Carole Longson as Appraisal Programme Director.

The Appraisal Programme Director is responsible for planning and delivering the Institute's Health Technology Appraisal Programme.

Dr. Longson is currently Director of the Evidence Research Unit, CMCUK. The work of the unit involves Health technology Assessments on behalf of the pharmaceutical Industry and in addition it undertakes systematic reviews, health economic modelling and primary research projects such as patient preference and quality of life studies. Dr. Longson is a pharmacologist with a background in both research and evidence based healthcare. She will take up her position with NICE on 9th January 2001

Mr. Dillon said: " I am delighted to welcome Carole to the Institute's Senior Management team. She is a highly qualified professional with direct experience of the technology assessments that the Institute is undertaking. She will bring to the Institute the benefit both of her technical and managerial expertise and her knowledge of a commercial operating environment ".

Notes to Editors

1. The Appraisal Programme Director is responsible for planning, and delivering a programme of up to 50 new and review health technology appraisals each year.

2. Leading a team of technical posts and administrative support staff, she will commission and quality control systematic reviews, prepare and present appraisals to the Appraisal Committee and liase with external stakeholders.

3. The Appraisal Programme Director is a member of the Institute's Senior Management Team, she will work closely with the Board and will contribute to the development of policy and practice across the organisation.

4. The Appraisal Programme Director will represent the Institute at UK and international meetings.

5. The Evidence Research Unit is a part of, Complete Medical Communications UK. The work of the unit involves Health technology Assessments on behalf of the pharmaceutical Industry and in addition it undertakes systematic reviews, health economic modelling and primary research projects such as patient preference and quality of life studies.

6. Requests for interviews with Dr, Longson should be directed to Lucy Betterton at NICE. Requests will be considered in January, when Dr. Longson is in post.

ENDS