Catalogue description Records created by National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and predecessors

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) became a legal entity in April 1999. The aim was to create consistent guidelines and end rationing of treatment by postcode across the UK. NICE's first Chair was Professor Sir Michael Rawlins. NICE published its first piece of guidance, a rapid assessment of flu product zanamivir in 1999.

In 2001, National Collaborating Centres were established to help develop clinical guidelines by using the expertise of the royal medical colleges, professional bodies and patient/carer organisations. In 2002, the Public Involvement Programme unit was established. In 2005, the Health Development Agency (HDA) transferred to NICE, helping to develop the evidence base to improve health and reduce health inequalities. NICE was renamed the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.

In 2011 the National Prescribing Centre (NPC) became part of NICE and later became the Medicines and Prescribing Centre. The NPC helped healthcare organisations to deliver safe and cost-effective medicines use for patients and the public.

In 2013, NICE became a non-departmental public body and was renamed the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. NICE officially took on the work of bringing evidence-based guidance and standards to the social care sector, as outlined in the Health and Social Care Act 2012. NICE welcomed a new Chair, Professor David Haslam, who took over from Professor Sir Michael Rawlins following his 14 years in the role. Also in 2013 the NHS Technology Adoption Centre joined NICE, as the adoption team, and became responsible for identifying ways to overcome potential barriers to the implementation of NICE guidance.

NICE balances the best care with value for money across the NHS and social care, to deliver for both individuals and society as a whole.

We do this by:

• Providing rigorous, independent assessment of complex evidence to produce guidance and advice for health and social care practitioners;
• Developing recommendations that drive innovation into the hands of health and care professionals;
• Encouraging the uptake of best practice to improve outcomes for everyone