NICE technology appraisals

9 October 2024

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) technology appraisal (TA) guidance makes recommendations on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of medicines and other treatments, which may include some devices. It helps to ensure that the NHS uses its resources fairly and effectively.

For medicines and devices recommended within a NICE TA, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB) has a legal responsibility within the NHS Constitution to make funding available no later than 90 calendar days after the guidance is published, unless otherwise specified in the guidance.

This means that the medicine or device will not be available for patients as soon as the NICE TA guidance is published. The 90 day period allows the ICB to make funding available, and to ensure that the medication or device is added to local treatment pathways and the prescribing formulary. Importantly, it also gives time for processes and measures to be put in place so that the medicine or device can be provided safely and fairly to patients across Cheshire and Merseyside.

Once the medicine or device is confirmed as available for use in Cheshire and Merseyside, and added to the prescribing formulary where appropriate, patients can discuss with their healthcare professional whether it is the right treatment for them.