As chair of NICE, Sir Michael has been at the helm of arguably the most controversial health organisation since its inception in 1999, overseeing the publication of some 727 clincial guidelines and 209 technology appraisals.
Under the NHS reforms, the role of NICE will change dramatically, with the organisation no longer responsible for approving which drugs are cost-effective for use in the NHS. That doesn't mean NICE, or Sir Michael, will fade from GPs' view though – NICE will be involved in rewarding GPs for their performance in meeting commissioning targets through the new NHS commissioning outcomes framework.
