Agenda item

Update from Will Blandamer Executive Director Executive Director (Health and Adult Care)

Will Blandamer Executive Director for Health and Adult Care provided an overview of the long-standing ambition to build integrated neighbourhood teams, bringing together staff from different services with a shared goal of improving the quality of care and outcomes. He emphasised the importance of prevention and early intervention to reduce reliance on reactive services and urgent care, supporting people to remain well and independent. Integrated neighbourhood teams have been in place since 2019 and include Northern Care Alliance staff and GPs at the core, with consultants working outside hospitals. He explained that the Public Service Leadership Team connects services beyond health, addressing wider issues such as school readiness, housing conditions and knife crime, and that this work is supported by strong practice and investment, including through the VCFA.

Will also outlined the development of Family Hubs and integration with children’s services as part of a joined-up approach, alongside the introduction of the Live Well model launched by the GM Mayor. This model aims to create Live Well Centres in each of the five neighbourhoods by 2030, with the first centre planned for Whitefield. This development is supported by GM funding, part of which has been allocated to the VCFE, and will provide a base for integrated neighbourhood teams as well as family hub services. He noted that this work aligns with the “Let’s Do It” strategy and requires a comprehensive estates framework to ensure neighbourhood assets are utilised effectively.

During discussion, Councillor Boles queried potential delays in the rollout of Family Hubs and whether any work had been undertaken on asset management and reconfiguration. Will Blandamer confirmed that work is progressing with children’s services and that an estates framework is being developed to support delivery. Councillor Tariq highlighted the importance of public service reform and expressed optimism about the progress being made, noting that this approach is integral to the operation of health and care services in the borough.

Under the Radcliffe Communities of People Plan, it was noted that Gorsefield Primary School now hosts a Live Well area within the school, enabling engagement with the most vulnerable residents. Members expressed hope that this initiative will lead to improvements and make a real difference to the lives of residents, with advice given to maintain strong oversight of this agenda. Concerns were raised about national and local challenges, and members were encouraged to continue discussions on progress with the Live Well agenda, with a suggestion to invite Lynne Ridsdale to a future meeting.

An update was provided on Greater Manchester’s Live Well programme, which was highlighted as an exemplar in Bury within the Team Bury report and at partnership level. There was optimism that Bury can progress ahead of schedule, with strong foundations already in place. The VCFA was noted as receiving £350,000 for future sustainability work in the Besses area, which was described as an important and exciting development within the Public Service Leadership agenda. Issues such as cuckooing in Whitefield were also referenced as part of wider community concerns.

Councillor FitzGerald asked when the committee would receive information on the asset review and how this would be addressed and monitored. It was agreed to add this to the forward plan, alongside an update on Live Well and integrated working linked to health inequalities. Councillor Tariq highlighted improvements in data and targets around school readiness and good living development, noting that more young people are meeting these standards, with Family Hubs playing a key role. Will Blandamer provided an update on Whitefield and confirmed that a wider asset plan is being developed to connect Live Well and Family Hubs, with a commitment to bring this forward in the new municipal year around September.

Councillor Rubinstein raised points about organisational culture, noting that building relationships in health and care takes time and requires a focus on integration. It was confirmed that the Whitefield ARC site would be available to all residents, not just those in Whitefield. Councillor Tariq added that organisational culture in Bury benefits from strong examples of partnership working, though there are risks in public service reform that need to be managed. Dr Cathy Fines agreed that integration takes time and emphasised the importance of getting estates planning right to support this work.

Councillor Simpson expressed support for the initiative but raised concerns about funding for expansion and long-term sustainability. It was noted that initial funding represents a down payment, with hopes for further investment and creative use of resources. Provision has been made in the Medium-Term Financial Strategy, with a focus on Whitefield, and the ambition is for the model to become self-sustaining over time. Councillor FitzGerald commented on NHS reforms and funding pressures, noting that the first wave of funding is a joint programme between NHS GM and GMCA, and that national efforts aim to create opportunities for investment despite significant demand pressures.

Councillor Boles raised the need for a supporting workforce strategy, including CPD and additional roles.

Will Blandamer agreed to take this suggestion to the Public Service Reform Steering Group. It was recommended that a workforce strategy be developed to support the Live Well initiative, and members were informed that a strategic lead is being recruited to oversee this work. Councillor Frith stressed the importance of maintaining community-based services and avoiding relocation to hospital settings, which was supported by Will Blandamer and Dr Cathy Fines, who confirmed that NCA clinicians are keen to return to community-based care.

Councillor Rubinstein reflected on the wider benefits of Live Well, noting that healthier communities contribute to economic growth and improved quality of life, aligning with Greater Manchester policy. Councillor Tariq acknowledged the challenge of connecting economic growth with health outcomes and referenced the “Work Well” initiative as part of this approach. It was agreed that the Public Health Annual Report should be included as a future agenda item to provide challenge and accountability on inclusive growth and health inequalities. Members also discussed the need for a strategy to deliver five Live Well Centres across the borough, learning from the Whitefield pilot and considering funding requirements as part of future planning.

It Was Agreed:

• The update be noted