July 2008
News
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NICE welcomes NHS Next Stage Review final report
As the NHS celebrates its 60th birthday, the NHS Next Stage Review final report - the Darzi report - published at the end of June, saw NICE being given a central role in reforms that seek to bring about a truly evidence-based, quality-driven NHS.
Behind the headlines
NICE short clinical guideline published on antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections
NICE has today published a short clinical guideline on appropriate prescribing of antibiotics for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in adults and children in primary care. The guideline recommends that alternative prescription strategies are used for patients with RTIs who present in primary care and other first face-to-face contact healthcare settings such as emergency departments and walk-in centres.
Patients with suspected stroke should be admitted directly to specialist stroke units
Two new clinical guidelines launched today, one from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and one from NICE recommend that all patients suspected of having a stroke should be admitted as quickly as possible to an acute stroke unit, either from the community or by being transferred from A&E. The unit should check if the patient is eligible for thrombolysis (clot-busting drugs) and administer them if appropriate.
Guidance this month
Clinical guidelines
Technology appraisals
Public health
Interventional procedures
- Brachytherapy as the sole method of adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer after local excision
- Direct skeletal fixation of limb or digit prostheses using intraosseous transcutaneous implants
- Laparoscopic gastrectomy for cancer
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Events
10th anniversary conference
3-4 December 2008
Manchester Central, Manchester
'NICE 2008: excellence in action' will celebrate 10 years of NICE and will feature a range of real life case studies on how to implement NICE guidance and what works in practice.
NICE 2008 will also feature key sessions on NICE's future roles under the new arrangements described by Lord Darzi and how they will impact upon all those working in health services.
At this year's conference, there will be more opportunities than before to network with colleagues through our open space workshops. Topics covered will include: public health, commissioning in primary care, clinical engagement and secondary care, clinical audit and management.
Our early bird offer ends 31 July - Book now to secure your place at NICE 2008!
Coming up next month
NICE expects to issue the following guidance on 27 August 2008:
Clinical guidelines
Technology appraisals
- Rheumatoid arthritis - adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab - sequential use
- Hepatitis B - entecavir
- Hepatitis B - telbivudine
Public health
- None