NICE for children?

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence was established as a National Health Service (NHS) Special Health Authority in 1999, in response to increasing concern about variations in the quality of care provided by the NHS in England and Wales. In April 2005 the functions of the Health Development Agency were included (The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence). This paper outlines the role of the Institute, describes its two main guidance programmes, and highlights how professionals can influence and be involved in the work of the Institute.