About us

The Northern (NHS) Treatment Advisory Group (NTAG) was formed in February 2014. The purpose of NTAG is to advise member commissioning organisations on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of new and existing treatments, thereby ensuring equitable access to a clinically defined and appropriate range of treatments for the relevant patient population. 

NTAG is a collaborative arrangement established by the Northern CCG forum to recommend approval, or rejection, of treatments presented to it for consideration. Recommendations are based upon proven clinical outcomes, value for money and affordability.

NTAG continues the work of the former North East Treatment Advisory Group (NETAG) and it brings together clinical expertise, patients and commissioning representatives, to make recommendations on the commissioning of treatments within NHS North East and North Cumbria.

Meetings are scheduled four times per year although additional meetings can be called to consider urgent issues. Representation has been drawn from throughout NHS North East & North Cumbria, both geographically and strategically (i.e. primary and specialist care, providers and commissioners), and the group is also seeking patient representation. This provides the group with a wide range of experience and expertise, ensuring fair and comprehensive treatment appraisals. Treatment appraisal reports are available from the professional secretary once the recommendations have been approved by the group and published on this website.

Professional secretarial support to the group is provided by the Regional Drug and Therapeutics Centre (Newcastle) who also help facilitate and support the work plan.

NTAG has a remit to consider ICS commissioned treatments only; this includes non-pharmaceutical treatments such as medical devices, and interventional or surgical procedures. NTAG will not consider treatments for an indication which NICE has already evaluated or for which publication of a NICE technology appraisal is imminent (i.e. within six months of the next scheduled NTAG meeting).

In summary, the group aims to improve equity of access within NHS North East & North Cumbria to treatments for which a regional position is legitimate and desirable.