§ Gregory BarkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what procedures are in place to monitor the number of patients and the related cost associated with NICE approved treatments that enable comparisons with the pre-approval phase of the treatment and ensure that NICE guidance is being acted on; [75803]
(2) what procedures are in place to monitor uptake of treatment following its approval by NICE. [75802]
§ Mr. LammyThe National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has commissioned a research project through the national health service research and development methodology programme to evaluate the impact of its guidance on clinical and managerial practice. Preliminary results are expected in December 2002.
The Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection will be the principal external inspector of the implementation of NICE guidance, and details of this inspection are currently being agreed between the Commission and the Department.
§ Gregory BarkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to ensure that all patients have access to testing to ascertain whether they would benefit from a NICE-approved treatment. [75795]
§ Mr. LammyNone. The responsibility for arranging tests and deciding what treatment is best for the patient rests with the clinicians concerned. This is done in consultation with the patient, fully taking into account National Institute of Clinical Excellence guidance and informed by the patient's clinical history.