Potential organ donors should be identified as early as possible

Plans to improve the identification of potential organ donors and consent rates to address the shortage of organ transplants have been set out by NICE. Around 10,000 people are on waiting lists for a organ transplant  in the UK, and 1,000 people will die whilst waiting for an organ.

User experience of NHS adult mental health services should be improved

Adult mental health services should be improved to provide patient-centred care that tackles the stigma associated with mental illness.The latest guidance, together with a quality standard, comes on the back of government calls to improve patient experience of using mental health services.

Greater support for local government in new public health role

NICE is to help local government make the most of limited resources to commission the best possible public health services, by developing a series of value-for-money briefings.The briefings will make it easier for Directors of Public Health, and senior officers in local authorities to find out which public health actions are most effective whilst also providing the best value for money.

Tackling healthcare-associated infections

Despite major improvements within the NHS in infection control with pockets of excellence among some trusts, healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) remain a very real threat to patients, staff and visitors. To help tackle this, NICE has produced a quality improvement guide on the prevention and control of HCAIs in secondary care which sets out a vision for excellence.

Are you one of a growing number of healthcare professionals using NICE Pathways?

NICE Pathways is our online tool that provides quick and easy access, topic by topic, to the range of guidance from NICE. New pathways recently added include advanced breast cancer, reducing substance misuse among vulnerable children and young people, and social and emotional wellbeing for children and young people

Have your say on draft recommendations on the use of opioids in palliative care. Many people with advanced or progressive conditions, such as cancer or chronic illness, experience high levels of pain and could benefit from strong opioids such as morphine.

Let us know what you think about the draft recommendations in our clinical guideline on autism in adults. The guideline covers indentification and assessment, the use of psychosocial interventions and the organisation and delivery of care.

Health Secretary confirmed for NICE Conference 2012

Only 3 days left to book your tickets at a discounted early booking rate. Use VIP code NICE-NA1 when booking.

New support tools

Now available for and multiple pregnancy and caesarean section guidance.