Guidance Notes and Best Practice Guides

DH: The NHS is taking a step closer to ending regional variation in the provision of IVF to couples who are unable to conceive naturally. The number of local health services offering three cycles of IVF treatment has increased by 22 percentage points in the past year, according to a new survey.  Now, 27% of primary care trusts offer three full cycles of treatment – up from just 5% in 2007.

Infertility Network UK, working with the Department of Health, has produced access criteria to help the local NHS provide equal services for fertility patients across the country.  Key points in the new criteria relate to smoking, weight and children from previous relationships.  NICE guidelines recommended an upper body mass index limit of 30 for IVF treatment and that patients shouldn’t smoke.
Press release ~ Standardising Access Criteria to NHS Treatment ~ Infertility Network UK ~ Regulated fertility services: a commissioning aid - June 2009 ~ Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority ~ Download Primary care trust survey provision of IVF in England 2008) ~ DH - Fertility ~ NICE - Fertility
 
NICE: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published final guidance on the use of lenalidomide for multiple myeloma in people who have received at least one prior therapy. It recommends lenalidomide in combination with dexamethasone as a treatment option for people with multiple myeloma who have received two or more prior therapies.
 
The cost of the drug beyond 26 cycles (each of 28 days; normally a period of 2 years) will be met by the manufacturer, Celgene.   For those patients who have not received two or more prior therapies, but are currently receiving lenalidomide, the independent Appraisal Committee has recommended they have the option to continue treatment until they and their clinician consider it appropriate to stop.
Press release ~ Lenalidomide for the treatment of multiple myeloma in people who have received at least one prior therapy ~ Bortezomib monotherapy for relapsed multiple myeloma
 
HEFCE: Government guidance for higher & further education institutions on dealing with swine flu.
Press release ~ Guidance 16/06/2009
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