McMahon in TV spotlight

GREATER Manchester’s £6bn NHS budget devolution has been hailed as a major step forward by Oldham Council leader Jim McMahon.

The Failsworth East councillor appeared on the BBC’s Sunday Politics show yesterday to talk about the deal, which will give the region control of its health budget from April 2016.
oA devolution agreement was signed by Chancellor George Osborne, NHS England and local cimmissioning groups and councils agreeing a framework for health and social care and joint decision-making on integrated care to support physical, mental and social well-being.

Councillor McMahon sees it as an opportunity for frontline staff to see the gaps in the system and use their knowledge to build a new service around individuals rathe than institutions.

Devolving power from Whitehall, he said, will create a better, more efficient system.

Councillor McMahon added: “The expertise we have in Greater Manchester is some of the best in the world. The problem is that they have been working with one hand tied behind their back. The freedom they now have means they will be empowered to make the changes we know have been needed for a long time.”