About the Rapid Review Panel

Remit

The Rapid Review Panel (RRP) has been convened by the HPA at the request of The Department of Health. This was outlined in Winning Ways [1] and Towards cleaner hospitals and lower rates of infection[2].

The panel provides a prompt assessment of new and novel equipment, materials, and other products or protocols that may be of value to the NHS in improving hospital infection control and reducing hospital acquired infections.

The panel will not conduct evaluations of products but will review information and evidence provided and make recommendations to the Department of Health.

It is not within the remit of the RRP to clinically evaluate or undertake the evaluation of products within the NHS. It is for the manufacturer to initiate and complete such trials/evaluations. Furthermore it is not within the remit of the panel to influence procurement and the "uptake" of products into the NHS once recommendations are formulated.

The RRP is an independent arms-length review panel that does not have a role in the procurement of products in the NHS and does not "champion" specific products once evaluated.

 

The National Innovation Centre - Products in early development

The National Innovation Centre (NIC), which is part of the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement (NHS Institute*), aims to speed up the development and adoption of technological innovations that improve patient welfare.

It provides a focal point for inventors of healthcare technology, by strengthening the partnerships between universities, the healthcare industry and NHS staff.

The NIC works with its partners to identify new technologies based on agreed need which are then delivered by the nine NHS regional Innovation Hubs in the areas covered by the English Regional Development Agencies.

www.nic.nhs.uk

*The NHS Institute is a Special Health Authority set up by the Secretary of State under the 'NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement (Establishment and Constitution) Order 2005 [SI 2005 No 1446]'.

 

Members of the Rapid Review Panel

Peter Borriello (Chair)
Chris Gush(Secretariat)
Andrew Bates
Stephen Denyer
Rosemary Gallagher
Peter Hoffman
John Holah
Michael Kelsey
Colum Lowe
Dietrich Mack
Jonathan Plumb

Product Proposals

Please contact hcai@hpa.org.uk

References

1. Chief Medical Officer. Winning Ways: Working together to reduce Healthcare Associated Infection in England. Report from the Chief Medical Officer. London: Department of Health, December 2003.

2. Department of Health.  Towards cleaner hospitals and lower rates of infection: A summary of action. London: Department of Health, July 2004.

Last reviewed: 27 July 2011