From the beginning the funding of the Group has been from sources external to Brunel University, although some 'seed-corn' support has been given by the University for specific new projects. OHE continues to support a research post. Subsequent DH research projects have included the economic evaluation of early detection of breast cancer, the analysis of alternative methodologies for the estimation of the revenue costs of major capital developments in the NHS, economic evaluation of screening for diabetic retinopathy, and an evaluation of the impact of the Resource Management initiative at the acute hospital pilot sites. Smaller DHSS consultancy projects have included an appraisal of the options for the redevelopment of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hackney and a preliminary cost-effectiveness analysis of the implantable cardiac defibrillator. The Department of Health recognised the importance of the continuation of such work in HERG, and in 1990 provided a grant for five years for a programme of work on Economic Evaluation and Health Technology Assessment.
Work is planned on liver transplantation.
Other funding to HERG has come from King Edward's Hospital Fund for London, the European Community, World Health Organisation and from specific health authorities and from individual pharmaceutical companies. As can be seen from the list of studies completed or underway, although the work of the group has been wide-ranging, the primary methodological focus has been economic evaluation in the context of technology assessment. Most funded work has been applied research, but this has always been seen as a vehicle for subsequent development and refinement of methodology, particularly in terms of how best to relate or integrate cost and benefit measurement in economic appraisal. The Group has developed a recognised expertise and special interest in the measurement of quality of life and valuation of health states and is actively collaborating with other UK, European and North American groups working in this field. There are strong links locally with Hillingdon Hospital and Health Authority.