§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what distinction there is between the use of the words 'would' and 'should' within the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines for schizophrenia when describing what patients can expect from services; and if he will make a statement. [102685]
§ Mr. HuttonThe National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance and technology appraisals are prepared by independent expert members of its advisory committees and guideline development groups who are drawn from the national health service, patients and carers, and the academic world. Although these committees and groups seek the views of organisations representing health care professionals, patients and carers, manufacturers and government, their advice is independent of any vested interests.
The use of the words 'would' and 'should' in NICE guidance and appraisals should be interpreted within the individual context they are used.