29.04.15
Devo Manc to cost £2m to set up
The devolution of the £6bn in NHS spending to local leaders in Greater Manchester is set to cost £2m to set up over the next year.
The Manchester Evening News is reporting that two-thirds of the cost, £1.2m, will be met by the region’s 10 councils and local CCGs and NHS England, while a further £670,000 will be met by transferring senior managers from those organisations to work on the new project.
The money is to be spent arranging the details of how the devolved system will work, and drawing up a business case to be presented to government in the autumn.
Among the senior managers being seconded is Ian Williamson, the interim chief officer for the project, who will continue to pick up his current £90,000 salary as chief operating officer of Central Manchester CCG.
Williamson told a business of health breakfast recently: "For the first time in my working life, we have got a unique opportunity to take responsibility for the complete health and social care system in Greater Manchester.
"The full £6bn budget will be in the control of Greater Manchester NHS and local authority regions by next April."
In his remarks, reported by Insider Media, he said he was just four weeks into the 12-month build up year, but his early focus is on collaborating with the academic networks to demonstrate the city's competitiveness against the “golden triangle” of Cambridge, Oxford and London.
He also confirmed a story previously reported by NHE that another key focus would be on making seven-day GP access available.
"We want to demonstrate we can deliver good quality seven day services for people who want to see a GP.”
He added: "We’re ambitious, and we want to use that health and social care devolution for business, for health, and development in Greater Manchester.
"Look what's happening now; look how the local authorities and NHS sectors are supporting business in Greater Manchester. Of course, if we are looking for solutions locally, we should be talking to local businesses and stakeholders."
(Image source: Sue Langford)
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]