The Health and Well Being Board meeting scheduled for 10 September 2026 was set to cover a range of important public health matters for Oldham. Key discussions were expected to include the Local Outbreak Management Plan, the Better Care Fund reports, and the proposed Oldham Neighbourhood Health Plan. Additionally, an update on the situation at the Northern Care Alliance was on the agenda.

Local Outbreak Management Plan

The Board was scheduled to consider and approve Oldham's updated Local Outbreak Management Plan (LOMP). This plan is designed to provide clarity on the operational roles and responsibilities of responding organisations in the event of an infectious disease outbreak. It acts as a companion to the Greater Manchester Multi-Agency Outbreak Plan, offering operational detail to ensure a coordinated approach to communicable disease outbreaks. The plan had been reviewed and updated to reflect organisational changes, incorporate the latest national and local guidance, and include specific arrangements for various outbreak scenarios, such as measles, tuberculosis, and gastrointestinal illnesses.

Better Care Fund 2025-26 End of Year Report and 2026-27 Planning Template

The meeting was to receive and note the content of the Better Care Fund (BCF) End of Year Report for 2025-26 and the Planning Template for 2026-27. The Board was asked to provide retrospective approval for the submission of these documents to the Regional Better Care Fund panel. The BCF is a national programme that pools NHS and local authority funding to support integrated health, care, and housing services, aiming to help people stay healthy and independent, reduce hospital admissions, and promote community-based care. The report detailed Oldham's BCF funding for 2026-27, totalling £51,919,685, and outlined how this funding is prioritised to support initiatives such as residential enablement, falls prevention, dementia support, and community occupational therapy. The Board was also asked to agree to delegate the decision to submit quarterly reporting templates to the Place-Based Lead and Oldham Council's Chief Executive, in consultation with the Director of Adult Social Care.

Oldham Neighbourhood Health Plan

A significant item on the agenda was the proposed Oldham Neighbourhood Health Plan, a strategic framework for neighbourhood health from 2026 to 2031. The plan aims to improve health outcomes, reduce inequalities, and support residents in living healthier and more independent lives by bringing together partners across health, social care, local government, and the voluntary sector. It outlines a vision and delivery framework centred on population health management, integrated neighbourhood teams, and Live Well neighbourhoods. The plan sets out a phased implementation programme, with key long-term outcomes including increasing life expectancy and reducing health inequalities. The Board was asked to approve the plan, endorse its vision and priorities, support partners in aligning their programmes with its delivery, and receive annual progress reports.

Update on Northern Care Alliance Situation

The Board was scheduled to receive a briefing on the current situation at the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust (NCA). This update was prompted by significant media coverage and regulatory scrutiny concerning patient safety, governance, organisational culture, and leadership within the Trust. The report aimed to inform the Board about the concerns raised, the actions being taken by the NCA, NHS Greater Manchester, and NHS England North West, and the implications for Oldham residents. It was noted that there were no planned service changes for Oldham residents as a consequence of the improvement programme at that time.

Other Scheduled Discussions

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as apologies for absence, urgent business, declarations of interest, and public question time. Minutes from the previous Health and Wellbeing Board meeting held on 5 March 2026 were also scheduled for consideration. An update on the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) concerning child health was also planned.