NICE 2001/ 041
5 December 2001
Press release
The Institute welcomes the announcement by Lord Hunt that Health Authorities and Primary Care Trusts will be required to make funding available to enable NICE's guidance on health treatments to be implemented.
Sir Michael Rawlins, the Institute's chairman said today:
"This is good news for patients. Most Health Authorities and Trusts already respond rapidly to our guidance and make the necessary funding available. But this measure will ensure that no patient is denied the treatment they need simply on the basis of where they live."
Ends
Notes for editors
- The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE or 'the Institute') is part of the NHS and its role is to provide authoritative and reliable guidance on healthcare for patients and their carers, healthcare professionals and the wider public in England and Wales.
- The Institute produces three key guidance products for the NHS: technology appraisals, which assess the clinical and cost effectiveness of specific medicines, medical devices, diagnostic techniques, surgical procedures and health promotions; clinical guidelines; and clinical audit advice.
- The statutory directions issued by the Department of Health will apply only to recommendations contained in Technology Appraisal Guidance issued by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.
- The directions issued by the Department of Health will apply to the NHS in England. The position in Wales is the responsibility of the National Assembly.
- Further information about the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and its work can be found at www.nice.org.uk.
