§ 36. Mr. BurgonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the work of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. [119090]
§ Mr. DenhamThe National Institute for Clinical Excellence announced its work programme in November 1999. NICE has an agreed work programme of appraisals, clinical guidelines, clinical audits, and GP referral protocols. So far NICE has completed one fast-track appraisal, on the flu drug Relenza, and full appraisals on wisdom teeth and hip prostheses. We are expecting shortly the results of its appraisals on coronary artery stents and taxanes.