§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of whether all strategic health authorities have robust processes in place to ensure that National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidance is(a) planned for and (b) followed through; and if he will make a statement. [179453]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonA number of recent studies, including that undertaken by the national cancer director, have showed some variations in the effectiveness of local planning and implementation mechanisms for National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance. We have recently announced a programme of action to help the national health service respond positively to NICE guidance, including action by strategic health authorities.