Agenda item

Presentation from Will Blandamer, Deputy Place Based Lead  - NHS GM (Bury) and  Executive Director, Health and Adult Care - Bury Council attached.

At the start of the meeting, the Chair welcomed new members of the Committee: Councillors Shaheena Haroon, Imran Rizvi, Luis McBriar, and Ken Simpson. Thanks were also extended to outgoing members Councillors Joan Grimshaw, Richard Gold, Jo Lancaster, and Mary Walsh for their contributions to the Committee’s work. Moving onto the first item.

Will Blandamer, Executive Director for Health and Adult Care, delivered a detailed presentation on the structure and function of the health and care system in Bury. The presentation was designed to orient new members and refresh the understanding of existing members.

Will began by outlining the role of health scrutiny within the broader health and care system. He emphasised that the committee plays a vital role in holding Councillor Tariq Cabinet member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform and NHS partners to account, particularly in relation to service reconfigurations and policy changes. The committee also has the authority to establish joint scrutiny arrangements at the Greater Manchester (GM) level. Mechanisms such as public consultations and the involvement of Healthwatch Bury were highlighted as key tools for ensuring community voices are heard.

The presentation moved on to describe how the health and adult care system operates within the GM footprint. Will explained that Bury’s system includes a range of partners: the council’s children’s services, the Northern Care Alliance (which runs hospitals in Oldham, Rochdale, and Bury), and Pennine Care. He noted that a significant portion of care around 40% is delivered outside of Bury, particularly in Manchester, with key trusts including Christie Hospital and Bolton Foundation Trust.

NHS Greater Manchester (NHS GM) was described as the body responsible for holding the NHS budget in Bury and contracting with providers. It employs around 50 people locally and acts as the commissioner of services. Will stressed the committee’s right to call in any provider, including VCFA organisations and adult social care services, to ensure accountability. He praised the strong working relationship with Healthwatch Bury and the collaborative ethos across the system, including with Bury Hospice.

The Locality Board, which is jointly chaired by Dr. Kathy Fines, was cited as a key forum for partnership working. Will noted that Bury is recognised for its strong partnerships and positive outcomes, particularly in adult social care.

During the discussion, Councillor Boles asked whether there were any partners with whom relationships could be improved. Will responded that while local relationships are strong, there is room for improvement with out-of-borough partners, such as Manchester Foundation Trust and Bolton. He also noted that the first 1,000 days of a child’s life remain an area for development, despite generally strong relationships with GPs, VCFA, and the hospice.

Councillor Fitzgerald requested a future report on maternity services, which Councillor Tariq supported. He highlighted the challenges faced by families during the maternity journey, particularly in the absence of wider support structures. Councillor Frith added that maternal mental health should also be a focus, given the anxiety caused by gaps in local provision.

Councillor Rizvi suggested that elective and urgent care be added to the committee’s workplan. Will noted that a recent Locality Board presentation had highlighted significant progress, including 30,000 additional appointments and improved GP access. He confirmed that Bury is currently meeting all national targets within its footprint.

Councillor Duncalfe raised concerns about the impact of population growth on service provision. Will responded that the Health and Wellbeing Board is addressing this through its four pillars, with loneliness identified as a major factor in hospital admissions. He noted that population growth is largely driven by births rather than migration, and that demographic changes are increasing demand on services.

Councillor Simpson, speaking as a veteran, asked how veterans’ mental health is being addressed. Will acknowledged that while the NHS has a role in armed forces primary care, there is a gap in recognising and recording veteran status. Councillor Tariq added that suicide prevention is a key priority, and that there is a need to bridge the gap between primary care and veteran support networks. He suggested bringing back Jon Hobday, Director of Public Health, to discuss this further.

Councillor Rizvi also asked whether the gap in life expectancy in Bury is closing. Will confirmed that disparities persist, particularly along socio-economic lines. He stated that health inequalities remain a priority for the council and noted that the Bury JSNA website contains detailed analysis. Councillor Tariq offered to share the 2022/23 health inequalities paper and confirmed that further updates are planned. Will concluded by stating that life expectancy at birth in Bury is currently 81 for females and just over 77 for males.

The committee discussed the potential formation of a sub-group focused on children, young people, and maternity services, and agreed to explore this further in future meetings.

It was agreed

• The update be noted
• Will be thanked for his presentation

·        That a maternity presentation would come to the committee in the Autumn.