An independent advisory committee for NHS evidence, to be established by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, will benefit from pharmacy representation, it has been announced.

David Pruce, director of policy and communications at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, will be one of 28 voting members of the committee, which will be chaired by professor David Haslam, president of the Royal College of GPs.

The purpose of NHS Evidence is to provide an evidence base for those making decisions about treatments and the distribution of resources.
Under the enhanced system, the committee will review the information provided and offer accreditation to trusted sources.

Mr Pruce commented that pharmacy representation on the advisory committee was "further evidence" of the profession's recognition as a key NHS stakeholder.

He added: "It is essential that evidence-base within the NHS is of a high, consistent standard. It will be our role, as committee members, to ensure that this is achieved."

NHS Evidence is a web-based service, which consolidates information drawn for a variety of sources in one central location.