The ONE Stockport Health & Care Locality Board met on Wednesday 30 April 2025 to discuss the financial health of the Integrated Care Board (ICB), performance against key metrics, and strategic plans for the upcoming year. Key decisions included noting the financial position and the 2025/26 financial planning update, and approving the 2025/26 cost improvement plan.

Finance Report

David Dolman, Associate Director of Finance for NHS Greater Manchester (Stockport), presented the Finance Report for the period ending 28 February 2025. Stockport was reporting a forecast outturn overspend of £9.8 million for the year, with pressures identified in Continuing Healthcare (CHC) placements, mental health section 117 packages of care, and neurodiversity assessments and ADHD treatment costs. The report also highlighted that savings achieved year-to-date were £3.38 million, against a target of £4.5 million.

The Board noted the financial position and the 2025/26 financial planning update. A significant point of discussion was the forthcoming financial year, with localities awaiting confirmation of their 2025/26 budgets and savings targets from NHS Greater Manchester ICB. The Board approved the 2025/26 cost improvement plan.

NHS Reform and Greater Manchester Executive Update

Michael Cullen, Chief Executive and Place Based Lead for Stockport, provided an update on significant government announcements regarding NHS reform. He informed the Board that all ICBs, including NHS GM, were required to reduce running costs by 50%, a process expected to take around two years. This announcement included the abolition of NHS England and was acknowledged as an unsettling period for staff. The Board noted the update on NHS Reform.

Stockport Locality Performance Report

Gareth Lord, Senior Strategy, Planning and Performance Manager for NHS Greater Manchester (Stockport), presented an overview of Stockport's performance against delegated metrics. Key highlights included positive trajectories for early cancer diagnosis in several specialities, consistent performance in annual health checks for people with learning disabilities, and high dementia diagnosis rates. However, concerns were raised regarding the number of children and young people accessing mental health services and the historically lower funding for mental health compared to physical health in Stockport. The Board noted the Stockport Locality Performance Report.

Stockport Provider Partnership Report – Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

Eleanor Banister provided an update on the Stockport Provider Partnership Report on Cardiovascular Disease. The report highlighted that CVD remained a leading cause of death in Stockport, with a significant number of adults diagnosed with hypertension. Key actions identified included working with Area Leadership Teams, the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector, and general practice. Stockport had secured additional funding for preventative work, including workplace blood pressure checks. A proactive care project in Victoria Primary Care Network aimed to predict those at risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The Board noted the Stockport Provider Partnership Report on Cardiovascular Disease.

Stockport Draft Locality Delivery Plan for 2025/26

Gareth Lord presented the draft Year 2 Delivery Plan for the One Health and Care Plan (OHACP) for 2025/26. This plan builds on the sustainability plan and aligns with the Greater Manchester Annual Plan, with a focus on preventative health and proactive care. The Board was asked to review, comment on, and endorse the draft plan.

Interim Collaborative Report of Mental Health Carers Group Experience in Primary Care

Maria Kildunne and Dr Viren Mehta presented a report outlining the experiences of people with severe mental illness (SMI) and their carers when engaging with primary care services. The report highlighted areas for improvement in care coordination, communication, shared care agreements, information sharing, access to services, and the physical health of people with SMI. A joint action plan for 2025-26 was developed, including training programmes and initiatives to optimise roles such as social prescribers and care coordinators. The Board noted the report and draft response, and discussed and supported the proposed action plan.

NHS Greater Manchester Annual Plan 2025-26

Paul Lynch, Director of Strategy and Planning for NHS Greater Manchester, presented the Annual Plan for NHS Greater Manchester in 2025/26. The plan is structured around five pillars of sustainability and outlines how national planning objectives, including financial control totals and key performance targets, will be met. The Board noted the Annual Plan.

Stockport Quality Group Report

Jemma Billing presented an update from the Locality Quality Group, highlighting key challenges including significant waiting lists for paediatric audiology services at Stockport NHS FT, with new referrals currently paused. An interim solution was in place with support from Manchester Foundation Trust, but a national issue was acknowledged. For adult community eating disorder services, a gap was noted between the end of the current contract on 31 March 2025 and the commencement of a new provider in June 2025. The Board noted the update from the Stockport Locality Quality Group.

Flash Report – Stockport Primary Care Commissioning Committee

David Dolman referred to the Flash Report from the Stockport Primary Care Commissioning Committee, which was circulated for information. The report detailed updates on the Stockport Live Well programme, shared care arrangements, and the workforce strategy. Key achievements in primary care quality were highlighted, including strong performance in bowel and cervical screening uptake, vaccination rates, learning disability and SMI health checks, and general practice appointments. The committee also approved the Stockport Locally Commissioned Services Framework for 2025/26. The Board noted the Flash Report.