I was puzzled by David Lock's advice in NICE rulings to PCTs to have a policy to refuse to fund emerging treatments except in exceptional circumstances.
The.Herceptin case decision at Swindon PCT seemed to be founded on the basis that such a policy was irrational, and that the PCT could not contemplate in advance what circumstances would be regarded as exceptional.
But if the PCT sets a policy, such as that suggested by Mr Lock, then could there be a risk that it would be unable to find rational distinctions between different patients within the eligible group when new drugs come along?
Jonathan Turner, executive assistant, Redbridge PCT.
No comments yet