§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the balance in the work programme of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence between(a) technology appraisals and (b) treatment guidelines. [15968]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 20 November 2001]: The work programme of the National Institute is set by Health Ministers in England and Wales. The Department and National Assembly for Wales have also approved the institute's current business plan.
§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out for each technology appraisal undertaken by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence the(a) final recommendation and (b) cost effectiveness as measured in terms of QALYs. [15967]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 20 November 2001]: Details of each completed appraisal can be found on the National Institute's website at www.nice.org.uk. The final appraisal determination contains the estimated cost per quality adjusted life year (QALY) for those cases where the National Institute of Clinical Excellence has quoted a specific figure. The Institute's judgments are based on a range of factors which include available information on cost per QALY.
§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to undertake a review of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. [15965]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 20 November 2001]: The report of the Bristol Royal Infirmary Inquiry makes some far-reaching recommendations on the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). We are considering how these will affect any review of NICE's work. We expect to make an announcement shortly.