NICE guidance on interventional procedures: the perspectives of a new Clinical Advisor

A commitment to delivering the very best care to patients is central to the work of all clinicians. The introduction of new interventional procedures to clinical practice is essential to improve patient care. Yet, history tells us that when interventional procedures are introduced without due regard to their efficacy and safety there can be significant adverse consequences for the patient (DH 2001). Nearly three decades ago the concept of Clinical Governance was introduced to the NHS to address these concerns. The aim was to allow continuous improvement in the quality of services while safeguarding patient safety and ensuring high standards of care (Scally and Donaldson 1998).