National Programmes of Care and Clinical Reference Groups
The specialised services commissioned by NHS England have been grouped into six National Programmes of Care (NPoC). Each has an NPoC Board which coordinates and prioritises work across the services in that programme of care. Each NPoC has several Clinical Reference Groups (CRGs) to provide clinical advice and leadership.
Specialised Dermatology Services (A08) fall under the Internal Medicine programme of care covering both adult and paediatric dermatology and skin cancer services.
The specialised dermatology Clinical Reference Group has been re-established with its main aim being the amendment and development of specifications that set the standards for specialised care (current and new). Please see below a link to an update from the Specialised Dermatology Clinical Reference Group.
Update on Specialised Dermatology Clinical Commissioning
CRGs, through their Patient and Public Voice (PPV) members, also help ensure that any changes to the commissioning of specialised services involve patients and the public.
Further information about CRGs can be found at the links below on the CRG Guide for Clinicians and CRG Guide for Stakeholders.
The purpose of the Medicines Optimisation Clinical Reference Group (MO CRG) is to provide advice to optimise the use of high cost medicines. The overall objective is to improve patient outcomes of care through the principles of medicines optimisation; this is evidenced through measurement including patient experience.
Commissioning Medicines for Children in Specialised Services
NHS England will commission treatments for patients aged less than 18 years where specific commissioning conditions within a NICE Technology Appraisal or NHS England policy are met, in accordance with the criteria outlined in this document. This policy document outlines the arrangements for funding of this treatment for the population in England.
Use of Belimumab for Treating Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
NICE Guidance for Belimumab for treating active autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus was published 15th December 2021.
There is a simple discount patient access scheme for Belimumab. NHS organisations can get details on the Commercial Access and Pricing (CAP) Portal. Non-NHS organisations can contact 0800 221441 or UK.pas@gsk.com for details.
