§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether guidance has been provided to primary care trusts on the provision of drug eluting stents for use in percutaneous coronary intervention. [61629]
§ Ms BlearsNo guidance has been given to primary care trusts on the provision of drug eluting stents for use in percutaneous coronary intervention. The Department referred drug eluting stents to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) on 20 May this year for appraisal. NICE will produce technology appraisal guidance for the national health service on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of drug eluting stents and on the appropriate use of this new technology.