§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health. (1)when the findings of the investigation into the implementation of National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidance being undertaken will be published; [144122]
(2) which organisations have been formally consulted as part of the investigation into the implementation of National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidance; [144123]
(3) what the scope of the investigation into the implementation of National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidance is; [144124]
(4) who is leading the investigation into the implementation of National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidance. [144125]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonProfessor Mike Richards, the National Cancer Director, is leading the investigation into the causes of the apparent variation in the uptake of cancer drugs approved by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.
This work is at an early stage, but representatives from the national health service and pharmaceutical industry have already been consulted, together with the Cancer Taskforce, which includes representatives from the voluntary sector.
Findings are likely to be available in spring 2004.
§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if the Government will put in place tracking mechanisms to monitor the implementation of NICE guidance. [144126]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonWe see a key role for the Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection to monitor the implementation of National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidance during the course of its reviews of national health service bodies. Strategic health authorities monitor the performance of primary care trusts and are also in a position to access progress on the implementation of NICE guidance.