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Dementia

As far as I am concerned, NICE would say that, in reaching conclusions and any ultimate decision, it has a responsibility to take account of the impact on the carers of those with any health condition. That is a part of the process. My hon. Friend knows that NICE has to take into account many criteria and factors in reaching its conclusions. Of course, from an emotional point of view I, like other hon. Members, would like to say that, if it will make carers feel that the situation facing the people for whom they care will be greatly improved, let us give those carers what they seek from the process, but we all know that that is slightly disingenuous because we have a duty to take account of a range of other factors. NICE’s remit, the balancing act that it has to engage in and the different factors that have to be taken into account are laid down transparently and clearly. We should never diminish the tremendous passion and emotion about the subject or say that they do not matter, but they are one of the reasons that NICE has conducted such an unprecedented process in public policy terms. The public anxiety, emotion and passion and the responsibility to respond sensitively to the needs of carers are the reason why NICE has gone through a process that has never happened in other circumstances and with other conditions. We should not attempt to devalue the genuine work that NICE has tried to do or to imply that NICE has not changed its position. Its position is not the same as in the past. There has been a genuine attempt to engage all stakeholders in reaching the recommendation. Does the recommendation meet the views of all the experts, users and carers? Clearly it does not. I suspect that unless people are given what they want they will not welcome or accept recommendations or conclusions on the subject. We know how difficult it is for those who are directly affected. I do not say that in a patronising way, but NICE must consider the subject in terms of the criteria that Parliament has laid down for its duties and responsibilities. It is a difficult balancing act and the decisions have not been concluded. There is still the opportunity to appeal and to influence the process and I urge people to take advantage of that. NICE is obliged to take account of those representations.