Primary care trusts will have a bigger say over the way new drugs are used under plans being drawn up this winter.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is working with the NHS Confederation to set up a group of experts that can advise PCTs involved in technology appraisals. Currently, two PCTs are invited to act as formal consultees whenever NICE holds a technology appraisal to develop guidance on the use of drugs, diagnostic techniques, surgical procedures and health promotions.

But NHS Confederation PCT director David Stout told HSJ that PCTs often pulled out because they did not feel able to contribute.

He said: 'We're not well placed to respond as effectively as we'd like to and often PCTs don't get involved as they don't have the capacity.

'I thought we could develop some sort of central team with relevant expertise that would support the PCTs in the process, providing access to knowledge and specific expertise so that we can play our part.'

Under the plan, which Mr Stout hopes will be in place by April, a specialist support group of experts in health economics, public health and commissioning would be available to PCTs, acting as consultees.

They could be drawn from PCTs or third-party organisations and are likely to be appointed by members of strategic health authority specialist commissioning groups.

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