§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to(a) monitor the implementation of NICE guidance on the use of Aricept, Exelon and Reminyl to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and (b) publish the results; [3213]
69W (2) when he will direct health authorities to make funds available for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease with Aricept, Exelon and Reminyl. [3196]
§ Jacqui SmithAll national health service bodies and clinicians are expected to give due weight to guidance from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence and to the evidence on which it is based. The Department is monitoring implementation of NICE's guidance through its established procedures supplemented through other data sources available to the Department. We will be looking to the Commission for Health Improvement to provide more information in due course.
We are currently preparing to implement our manifesto commitment that "local health authorities and trusts will be directed to fund drugs and treatments recommended by the NICE". We expect to announce further details shortly.