The Greater Manchester Joint Health Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to discuss significant updates on NHS Greater Manchester's reform and workforce programme, the Care Quality Commission's assessments of adult social care services, and the ongoing review of paediatric audiology services. The committee also received interim updates on specialist cardiac and vascular surgery consultations, with decisions on these matters still pending.

NHS Greater Manchester Reform and Workforce Update

Charlotte Bailey, Chief Strategy, People and Partnerships Officer for NHS Greater Manchester, presented an update on the organisation's reform and workforce programme. Phase 1 of the programme is nearing completion, with the new organisational structure now operational. Over 300 colleagues have left through voluntary redundancy, significantly reducing the need for compulsory redundancies. Equality monitoring has shown no disproportionate adverse impacts, with an increase in representation for colleagues with disabilities and from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. The focus is now shifting to strengthening culture, leadership, and strategic commissioning capabilities, with Phase 2 involving the implementation of the Place model and the transfer of functions such as Individual Funding Requests (IFR) and the development of an integrated Greater Manchester Public Health Network. The committee requested further updates on staff voice and workforce impacts, with a detailed report on staff survey intelligence expected in early 2027.

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Assessment Data

Rachel Tanner, Chair of GM ADASS and Director of Adult Social Services at Bolton Council, provided an update on the CQC assessments of adult social care services across Greater Manchester. All local authorities now have published CQC reports, with Wigan rated as 'Outstanding' and Salford rated as 'Inadequate'. Partnership working, communities, and learning/improvement were identified as areas of strength across Greater Manchester, while assessing need remains the primary area requiring improvement. Wigan's success was attributed to long-term investment in prevention, communities, neighbourhood working, and digital innovation, while Salford is implementing a comprehensive improvement plan with strengthened governance. The committee noted the variation in performance and requested a future update focusing on how learning from high-performing authorities is being applied and the implications of national developments in adult social care.

Update on Paediatric Audiology Greater Manchester-wide Review

Claire Smith, Associate Director of Nursing and Quality Assurance, and Jenny Wilkinson, Programme Manager for Children and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), NHS Greater Manchester, presented an update on the review of paediatric audiology services. Site visits have been completed across all Greater Manchester services, with four providers undertaking recall clinics to review children's care. An independent provider has been supporting Stockport, seeing over 3,000 children, and preparing for the phased reopening of the NHS service. A Greater Manchester-wide service specification is being developed to ensure consistent standards. Recall clinics are expected to conclude by the end of September 2026, with no significant harms identified to date. The committee requested detailed data on the recall programme and endorsed the next steps, including finalising the service specification and developing a business case for future service delivery.

NHS Greater Manchester Monthly Service Reconfiguration Progress Report and Forward Look

Lindsay Kirby, Assistant Director of Communications and Engagement, NHS Greater Manchester, provided an update on ongoing service reconfigurations, including interim updates on specialist cardiac and vascular surgery consultations. The consultations, which close on 22 September 2026, have seen increased responses, with over 300 people engaged in each through face-to-face events and online focus groups. Feedback on cardiac surgery proposals remains broadly supportive, while vascular surgery feedback highlights concerns about the potential loss of services from Oldham, travel, public transport, capacity at Manchester Royal Infirmary, and the impact on staff at the Royal Oldham. No decisions have been made yet, with all feedback to be analysed before a decision is expected in early 2027. The committee requested a final report with detailed locality breakdowns, social media reach, and information on current and proposed patient pathways.

Work Programme for the 2026/27 Municipal Year

The committee confirmed the proposed items for the next meeting on 13 October 2026, which will include a Strategic Commissioning Plan, an Integrated Care Board Update, and an update on the North West Individual Funding Requests. A broader Adult Social Care Update will be considered on 10 November 2026. The committee also noted that further scrutiny requirements would be considered following the Northern Care Alliance meeting on 24 September 2026.