http://www.mssociety.org.uk/news_events/news/general/mps_gather_evide.html

18 January 2002

A powerful group of MPs at Westminster has decided to take a look at NICE

The House of Commons Health Committee comprises MPs from all major parties.

It has previously carried out inquiries into areas such as services for rehabilitation after head injury and access to NHS dentistry. Its recommendations are not binding, but carry a good deal of weight.

The Committee will take evidence from a variety of groups with an interest in NICE's work and then quiz senior representatives from NICE. The MS Society submitted written evidence to the Committee and the Society's Policy & Campaigns Manager, Glynn McDonald, gave oral evidence to the Committee on 16 January. Click here to read our written evidence

'We have over two and a half years experience of NICE, gained while it has been looking at disease-modifying drugs for MS. So we were well placed to give the Committee a feel for the way in which NICE goes about its business' said Glynn McDonald after the hearing. 'We pointed out serious shortcomings in NICE's approach and made positive suggestions for making it more open, accountable and patient-focused'.

The Committee's report will be published in a couple of month's time.