Dear Simon,
I am not sure but probably not. I know that there are issues with confidential materials for formal consutlees and there are legal signatures required. However, once the FAD is published (within 30 days of the meeting) then that will be in the public realm... but I am not sure if all the submissions will be viewed online... other that the NICE Final Appraisal Doc. I will try to find out.
After the FAD is published, we will start a campaign should the FAD be negative. Their conclusion will affect how we respond. I know that NICE will not accept appeals at that stage that are based on the content of the document- unlike the ACD. However, after the FAD it will then be possible to appeal- should we need to- but only about the process used.
I understand that other consultees will do the same and assess their positions after the FAD. We will then have a few weeks to construct an argument. I am hoping that this will not be needed -as we all are- but somehow I think we will not be so lucky this time.
Any party that wins the next election - no matter what they say now- will need to make cuts. That is understood by everyone but is more urgent because of the recent bank meltdown.... and of course this is not only in the UK.
However, and this is my personal opinion, we need to rethink the whole NICE system- one sized does not fit all- in order to guard against the inequality and lack of access to the best therapy experienced by citizens who happen to be unlucky enough to develop cancer and particularly a rare type.
By sticking with NICE HTA model, it does not mean that it is the best model nor that it is a gold standard at which all other HTA models should be measured. This is of course arrogant and there are others countries within EU that reject NICE's model.
From my point of view we will need to be vigilant when we are listening to politicians in the throws electioneering and read very carefully between the lines.
Best wishes,
Sandy
