@ BKS and the other medics: the editorial in the lancet this week (Nov12 http://www.thelancet.com/ you have to register but its free) is about Herceptin and NICE appraisals. Puts a very different view to the red top "NHS denies patients life saving drug" story. I was talking to a cancer nurse this morning and she was furious about the whole thing, as its not reported that, eg, only about 21% of patients are suitable for treatment, only half of them respond, the drug has major issues with cardiotoxicity (and prognosis from heart failure is far worse than breast cancer) etc. But because of the news coverage all her patients think they are being denied a life saver.

I reckon its well worth a read, could be used to answer all sorts of questions, topical story, NICE, role of politicians or accountabuility generally in the health service, patient demands vs clinical reality/availability of funding, the need to evaluate all the risks associated with a treatment etc etc.

If I'm not tied up at work I'd buy you a beer to hear how the interview went, but, if you are going to wear that green lantern outfit from the superhero thread, forget it. Even in London that would raise eyebrows.