The Greater Manchester Joint Health Scrutiny Committee convened for its annual meeting, focusing on significant service reconfigurations and reviewing lessons learned from the previous winter. Key discussions were scheduled around the proposed centralisation of specialised cardiac and arterial vascular surgery services, an update on preparedness following winter pressures, and an overview of individual funding requests. The committee also planned to review the draft work programme for the upcoming municipal year and the annual report from the previous year.

Greater Manchester Specialised Cardiac and Vascular Surgery Service Reconfiguration

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the proposed reconfiguration of specialised cardiac and arterial vascular surgery services across Greater Manchester and East Cheshire. The report presented outlined the case for change, citing clinical, workforce, and sustainability challenges with the current arrangements. The preferred option for cardiac surgery was the permanent consolidation of adult cardiac surgery at Wythenshawe Hospital , supported by a network model for diagnostics and outpatient care. For arterial vascular surgery, the preferred option was a single arterial hub at Manchester Royal Infirmary , also supported by a strengthened hub-and-spoke network. The report recommended proceeding to formal public consultation on these proposals, subject to NHS England's Stage 2 assurance. The consultation was planned to commence in summer 2026, with final decisions expected by December 2026. The committee was asked to support the progression to public consultation.

Preparedness Post Winter (Outcomes and Lessons Learned)

The committee was scheduled to receive an overview of system performance, delivery, and learning from Winter 2025/26 across Greater Manchester. The report aimed to highlight effective delivery, identify operational challenges and variations, and set out lessons learned to inform planning for Winter 2026/27. This discussion was intended to support the continued delivery of the Greater Manchester Urgent and Emergency Care (UEC) Reform Programme. Key areas of focus included demand management and flow, discharge and system flow, community and preventative services, primary care, mental health services, and system coordination. The report also provided an update on UEC performance, noting improvements in four-hour performance and reductions in twelve-hour waits compared to the previous year, although still below constitutional standards. Challenges identified included workforce constraints, reliance on non-recurrent funding, and variation in delivery across localities. Recommendations for future planning included strengthening discharge processes, improving escalation and operational response, enhancing data quality, and embedding successful winter interventions into core delivery.

NHS Greater Manchester Individual Funding Requests - Overview

An overview of the NHS Greater Manchester Individual Funding Request (IFR) process was presented. The report explained the statutory duty of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to promote comprehensive healthcare within available resources and the process for considering treatments not routinely commissioned when a clinician believes a patient has an exceptional healthcare need. In 2025/26, NHS GM received 454 IFR requests, with 294 screened out and only three reviewed by the IFR Panel, resulting in one approval and one decline. A significant number of requests related to MRI scans, with 140 out of 157 approved. The report also outlined proposals to develop a Northwest IFR and Commissioning Policy Development Service/Team, with NHS GM potentially hosting this service to reduce variation across the region and create a more cost-effective operating model. The committee was asked to note the report and consider attending a future meeting to discuss these proposals further.

Monthly Service Reconfiguration Progress Report and Forward Look

This report provided an overview of service redesign projects across Greater Manchester that were planned or undergoing engagement and/or consultation. The list of projects was subject to change. The report highlighted several key projects:

• IVF Cycles: A decision was made to standardise NHS-funded IVF cycles across Greater Manchester to one full cycle for eligible women aged 39 and under, with a second attempt offered only if the first cycle was abandoned or cancelled. This policy was implemented from 1 April 2026.
• Specialised Commissioning: Cardiac and Arterial Vascular Surgery: Following a review and options appraisal, a public consultation was planned to commence on 1 July 2026 for concurrent 10-week consultations on moving to a single site for both cardiac and arterial vascular surgery. A decision was anticipated in December 2026.
• Safe and Sustainable Specialised Services for Babies and Children: Engagement with staff working in Neonatal Critical Care across the Northwest had concluded, with an insight report undergoing governance. Targeted pre-engagement with patients was being coordinated.
• Procedures of Limited Clinical Value (PLCV): The review of PLCV policies had been paused to allow for regional discussions on potential Northwest-level commissioning statements.
• Major Trauma: Targeted engagement with former major trauma centre patients had concluded, and a report was being shared with commissioners.
• A&E Experience / Ambulance Handover & Corridor Care: Public engagement had been carried out at Tameside General's A&E department, and ongoing work was taking place across other busy A&E departments in Greater Manchester. A report was being created.

Draft Work Programme for the 2026/27 Municipal Year and Draft Annual Report 2025/26

The committee was presented with the draft Work Programme for the 2026/27 Municipal Year and the draft Annual Report for 2025/26. The Work Programme included planned scrutiny topics such as preparedness post-winter, specialised commissioning, individual funding requests, IVF provision, primary care access, health inequalities, and updates on various service reviews. The Annual Report summarised the committee's activities and achievements during the 2025/26 municipal year, highlighting its role in providing oversight, scrutinising strategic developments, and engaging with NHS Greater Manchester and system partners. Members were asked to populate the draft Work Programme, provide feedback on the Annual Report, and actively communicate the committee's role within their local authorities.

GovWifi Instructions

Instructions were provided on how to register for and connect to the GovWifi service, a new guest wireless service adopted by GMCA. This included details on registration via email or text, and the process for connecting to the network.