5 Implementation
5.1 The Healthcare Commission assesses the performance of NHS organisations in meeting core and developmental standards set by the Department of Health in 'Standards for better health' issued in July 2004. The Secretary of State has directed that the NHS provides funding and resources for medicines and treatments that have been recommended by NICE technology appraisals normally within 3 months from the date that NICE publishes the guidance. Core standard C5 states that healthcare organisations should ensure they conform to NICE technology appraisals. NICE recognises that many NHS organisations already have contracts in place and therefore would not be able to implement the recommendations contained within the FAD immediately. However as contracts come up for renewal NHS organisations would be expected to use relevant contracting arrangements to ensure that DESs are obtained in line with the recommendations in section 1.1.
5.2 'Healthcare Standards for Wales' was issued by the Welsh Assembly Government in May 2005 and provides a framework both for self-assessment by healthcare organisations and for external review and investigation by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales. Standard 12a requires healthcare organisations to ensure that patients and service users are provided with effective treatment and care that conforms to NICE technology appraisal guidance. The Assembly Minister for Health and Social Services issued a Direction in October 2003 that requires local health boards and NHS trusts to make funding available to enable the implementation of NICE technology appraisal guidance, normally within 3 months. NICE recognises that many NHS organisations already have contracts in place and therefore would not be able to implement the recommendations contained within the FAD immediately. However as contracts come up for renewal NHS organisations would be expected to use relevant contracting arrangements to ensure that DESs are obtained in line with the recommendations in section 1.1.