Agenda item

GMCA Health Scrutiny – Report Attached from the chair

NCA Alliance – Verbal Update from the chair

Will Blandamer Executive Director (Health and Adult Care) will provide a verbal update on the ICB reform

Councillor E. FitzGerald gave a brief overview of the GMCA Health Scrutiny Committee, highlighting its role in overseeing health-related developments across Greater Manchester and ensuring accountability in decision-making. She introduced the first item on the agenda: the final report from the “In Her Shoes” Task and Finish Group, chaired by Councillor Helen Hibbert. This review focused on the safety of women and girls on public transport and included 15 sessions with contributions from senior figures such as Vernon Everitt and Kate Green. The report, which had previously gone to full Council but was not discussed due to time constraints, contains 26 recommendations ranging from strategic design improvements to practical interventions like increased staffing and better digital tools. The committee discussed issues including misogyny, the experiences of disabled women, and how the findings could be applied locally—particularly in Bury, where a new bus station is planned. Members also raised the importance of bystander training and the broader health impacts of transport insecurity, especially for women who avoid public transport or outdoor exercise due to safety concerns. It was agreed that the report should be raised locally and shared with the Bee Network Committee if not already done.

The second item was an update from NHS Greater Manchester on workforce challenges following national reforms. The committee expressed concern over the closure of NHS England, a 39% budget cut to the ICB, and the pressures on local Trusts. The report presented was found to be outdated, missing key data such as the 600 job losses resulting from the budget cut. Members questioned how staff were being supported and how survey participation could be improved, noting that the consultation process had not yet begun. It was confirmed that changes to SEND and Safeguarding responsibilities would be delayed by 12 months. Due to the lack of detail, the committee did not endorse the reform approach but acknowledged the work being undertaken.

Further updates included the monthly service reconfiguration report, which tracks progress on various changes. Notably, Adult ADHD and IVF services will undergo clinical decision-making before implementation, while Children’s ADHD and Diabetes Education services are already being rolled out.

The committee also reviewed NHS GM’s revised engagement plan for procedures of limited clinical value. Instead of reviewing 50 procedures at once, the new approach will assess them in batches over a five-year cycle. Current procedures under review include split/torn earlobes, shoulder impingement, and assisted conception, with a new commissioning statement being developed for shockwave therapy for tendinopathies. Finally, the committee updated its work plan to include elective waiting times and NHS league tables for future scrutiny.

The Chair provided a verbal update from the Northern Care Alliance this included an overview of the designated clinical offer, noting limitations in implementing outcomes. Key concerns were raised around staff sickness absence, stress, and target achievement, particularly in Bury where performance is below expectations. Post-Christmas fracture rates have improved due to elective waiting list reductions, though around 80% of patients on the list may need committee attention. The importance of patient experience was highlighted, with reference to the Darzi review and the government's 10-year plan. Innovative participation models, such as Oldham’s pilot involving student-led patient engagement, were discussed.

It was agreed:

·         The update be noted.