The Greater Manchester Joint Health Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to convene on Tuesday 10 November 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a comprehensive update from NHS Greater Manchester, covering Integrated Care Board (ICB) reform, performance, and finances, alongside discussions on environmental sustainability, adult social care transformation, and service reconfigurations. The committee will also review the strategic commissioning plan, neighbourhood health initiatives, and place partnerships.

NHS Greater Manchester Update: ICB Reform, Performance, and Finance

Professor Colin Scales, Acting Chief Executive of NHS Greater Manchester, is scheduled to present an update on the organisation's reform programme, including the implementation of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) operating model. The report will also provide information on NHS Greater Manchester's performance and financial position. This discussion is expected to cover the strategic shifts outlined in the national Model ICB Blueprint, which include moving from treatment to prevention, from hospital to community settings, and from analogue to digital systems. The report details progress on workforce reform, with over 300 colleagues leaving through voluntary redundancy, and outlines priorities for Phase 2 implementation, such as the Place model and service transfers. The discussion will also touch upon the proposed arrangements for an integrated Greater Manchester Public Health Network, which would be hosted by Manchester City Council under a Section 75 agreement. The committee is expected to note the progress made in implementing NHS Greater Manchester's operating arrangements and the importance of safe transition, partnership working, and clear accountability during organisational change.

NHS Greater Manchester Environmental Sustainability Update

Claire Igoe, Associate Director of Sustainability, NHS Greater Manchester, is scheduled to provide an update on the organisation's environmental sustainability efforts. The report highlights the close connection between environmental sustainability and the health of Greater Manchester's population, as well as the resilience of its health and care services. It outlines the NHS's dual approach of reducing its environmental impact while preparing for climate change. The NHS GM Green Plan, approved in July 2025, sets out the system's approach to creating an environmentally, socially, and financially sustainable healthcare system. The report details progress, including a 9.1% reduction in the Greater Manchester NHS carbon footprint between the 2019/20 baseline and 2024/25. Specific programme activities mentioned include the co-production of a GM NHS Climate Change Adaptation Plan, the development of a system-wide Sustainable Travel Strategy, and the integration of sustainability into healthcare improvement through the BeCCoR incentive scheme. The report also emphasises the importance of collaboration with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), local authorities, and other partners to address shared priorities such as climate resilience, travel, air quality, and environmental determinants of health.

Strategic Commissioning Plan, Neighbourhood Health, and Place Partnerships

Paul Lynch, Director of Strategy and Health Equity at NHS Greater Manchester, is scheduled to present an update on the Strategic Commissioning Plan, Neighbourhood Health, and Place Partnerships. The report details NHS Greater Manchester's five-year Strategic Commissioning Plan, approved in July 2026, which aims to improve health outcomes, reduce inequalities, and create a more sustainable health and care system by 2031. A central ambition is to shift care and investment upstream, moving from treatment to prevention, from hospital to community settings, and organising services around people, communities, and neighbourhoods. Neighbourhood Health is presented as the principal mechanism for delivering these ambitions, encompassing the transformation of NHS services and wider action to strengthen prevention and community capacity. The report outlines the core standards for Neighbourhood Health that residents can expect across Greater Manchester, including needs assessment, risk stratification, integrated neighbourhood teams, and a consistent approach to metrics and outcomes. The role of Place Partnerships is highlighted as integral to delivering neighbourhood working, prevention, and the Live Well approach, with strengthened partnerships expected to drive transformation.

Greater Manchester Adult Social Care (ASC) Transformation Programme

Rachel Tanner, Chair of the Greater Manchester Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (GM ADASS) and Director of Adult Social Services at Bolton Council, is scheduled to provide an update on the Greater Manchester Adult Social Care Transformation Programme. The report details the programme's progress and priorities for 2026/27, aiming to support people to live well at home, independently and with dignity. The programme is built on three fundamental blocks: enabling people to live a good life their way, offering the right support at the right time close to home, and working together around people, not organisations. The report highlights significant investment, with over £32 million secured since 2021/22, and progress in areas such as market development, workforce growth, supporting people with complex lives, and digital transformation. Specific examples of progress include the creation of supported housing for individuals leaving long-term hospital stays, with associated system savings, and the digitisation of care records for numerous providers. The report also shares a personal story from Bolton illustrating the positive impact of supported living arrangements.

Monthly Service Reconfiguration Progress Report and Forward Look

Claire Connor, Director of People, Communications & Engagement at NHS Greater Manchester, is scheduled to present a report outlining current service reconfigurations undergoing engagement and/or consultation. The report aims to keep the committee informed of ongoing service redesign projects across Greater Manchester. Key projects to be discussed include the review of specialised commissioning for cardiac and arterial vascular surgery, with a proposal to consolidate services at one site (Manchester Royal Infirmary for vascular and Wythenshawe Hospital for cardiac). The report also provides an update on the North West Women & Children's Transformation programme, focusing on neonatal critical care, paediatric critical care, surgery in children, and children and young people with cancer. Additionally, the committee will receive an update on public engagement regarding A&E experience, ambulance handover, and corridor care, as well as ongoing work to improve patient experiences within A&E departments.

Work Programme for the 2026/27 Municipal Year

Councillor Liz FitzGerald, Chair of the committee, is scheduled to present the draft Work Programme for the 2026/27 Municipal Year. This document is intended to be a live document, subject to review and updates throughout the year. The committee will be asked to confirm the items they wish to consider at the next meeting on 8 December 2026, which include a mid-point review of the Specialised Cardiac and Vascular Surgery Consultation, updates on Women's Health, Screening and Immunisation, Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Individual Funding Requests, Children's Mental Health pathways, Dentistry, and GP Access. The committee will also be asked to identify any items that could be addressed through briefing notes or sessions. The report also lists items considered in previous meetings during the 2026/27 municipal year and a glossary of terms.