Last Tuesday I attended the SMC conference in Edinburgh as a Patient Representative for the Mouth Cancer foundation. SMC is the Scottish equivalent of NICE.Their role is" to provide advice to NHS boards on the status of all newly licensed drugs,new formulations & new indications for drugs established since January 2002"
There were 200 delegates attending, representing a diverse range of organisations, many Drug companies & 5 patient Representatives
It was interesting to learn how decisions are made on which drugs will be made available & which are regected & why.It was stressed how important it was to present a well structured & thought out case when applying for acceptance of new drugs.
2 very relevant sessions were "How to make a good economic submission to SMC", &"How to make a good patient interest group submission to SMC"
There was much information to absorb, & a shortened lunch break left little time for networking, but I managed to talk to several delegates about MCF, they were not aware we exsisted but expressed interest. One was a Psychiatrist, who said he treated several head & neck Cancer patients. I hope he remembers to pass on the Forum url.
Details of the conference & work of the SMC will be on their website in due course, for anyone interested. Fran.

Good Morning Fran,
I would like to read this report, would you please be so kind as to give me a reminder when the report is published.
I hope Brian and yourself are keeping well.
Keep Smiling
Pat & John

Will do that John, no problem.
We are both plodding along nicely,Brian had his 4 year check 2 weeks ago, & all was well again,will be seen again in 6 months. He can't wait . Fran.

Hello Fran

Would you or any Scottish member like to attend this year's seminar?

quote:

The Patient and Public Involvement Group (PAPIG) of the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) would like to invite you to a Seminar, to be held on Thursday 21 May, from 09.30 to 16.00, in Delta House, 50 West Nile Street, Glasgow.

The objectives are set to give you a better understanding of the Scottish Medicines Consortium and its processes; how decisions with regard to new medicines are made and why not all of them are recommended for use in Scotland.

There will be an opportunity to hear how a Pharmaceutical Company develops and brings new drugs to the market place and to hear from a Patient Interest Group how they have made effective submissions to the Consortium on behalf of their members.

You will have a chance to air your questions, share ideas in workshop sessions and exchange feedback with other patient groups, members of SMC, PAPIG and the Pharmaceutical Industry.

There is no charge for this Seminar and refreshments and a buffet lunch will be provided. However, places are limited, so an early response is recommended.

Please let me know asap so that I can register you as the MCF representative.

Best wishes

Vinod
Chief Executive
Mouth Cancer Foundation

Hi Vinod, just picked up on this. Sorry but I would be unable to attend on that date.
It will be an interesting day for anyone who can attend. Fran.