1. Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) User Group Forum Priorities - 2014

2. Aims : SMC- User Group Forum To provide a forum for SMC and Industry members to jointly discuss and develop topics which are relevant to the running and continuous evolution of the SMC. (eg strategic engagement, processes and/or methods) To make recommendations to the SMC Executive if change is thought to be required and where relevant to implement such changes. Each stakeholder group : –a) contributes on behalf of their constituent group –b) through appropriate channels, keeps their constituent body informed regarding SMC activities and developments

3. Priorities for 2014 Scottish Government (SG) response to the Review on Access to New Medicines: for those changes which link to SMC activities, ensure good two way communication between the SMC and industry on the development of the new processes and methods. Industry representatives on SMC work groups must ensure they represent a broad and informed industry perspective. Specific focus will be on: 1.Review of orphan and 'End of Life' (EoL) medicines - finalisation of the detailed methods and process. 2.Meetings in public - ensuring confidentiality is handled appropriately 3.Ensuring companies fully understand the changes and support maintaining the efficiency of the SMC processes. The immediate focus will be on educating companies on the changes related to orphan and EoL medicines

4. Priorities for 2014 Agree a method for monitoring the impact of the new methods for EoL and orphan medicines, and share such information. –SMC and industry to work collaboratively –This does not include impact at HB level as this is outwith the scope of SMC Increase the involvement, support and education of companies, in particular those who infrequently make submissions to the SMC, with the aim of improving the quality of their submissions

5. Priorities for 2014 PASAG Reference Group (only relevant for industry members of the UGF): ensure good two way communication between PASAG and industry as processes develop. Specifically: 1.Address the issue of sharing confidential PAS information between companies as needed 2.Address implications of the 'Prescription for Excellence' policy on PAS schemes.